disney cruise porthole room

I booked a 'secret porthole' room on a Disney cruise that gave me ocean views for a cheaper price, and it felt like getting a free upgrade

• I recently booked one of Disney Wonder's deluxe inside staterooms with a "secret porthole."
• Even though the window had an obstructed view, it brought a lot of natural light into the room. 
• Thanks to this hack, I got my family a room with an ocean view for a budget-friendly price .

As someone who's been on over 50 cruises , I've heard a lot of chatter about the "secret porthole" rooms on some Disney ships.

Even though these cabins have exterior-facing windows, the cruise line lists them as deluxe inside staterooms , and they're much less expensive than ocean-view staterooms.

But there's a catch: The portholes in these "secret" rooms have partially obstructed views. 

So ahead of my family's cruise aboard the Disney Wonder, I decided to book one of the rooms and see if it was really possible to enjoy ocean views in a budget-friendly inside stateroom . Here's what it was like. 

I booked my family a 214-square-foot deluxe inside stateroom for a four-night voyage aboard the Disney Wonder.

My stateroom, number 5520 on deck five, had an exterior-facing porthole that Disney Cruise Line didn't advertise during the booking process. In fact, the website says the room has "no exterior view."

The cabin's porthole looked like it was the same size as the ones in nearby ocean-view staterooms, which were much pricier to book.

The porthole offered a slightly obstructed view, which is likely why Disney sells this cabin as an inside stateroom, but it let a ton of natural light into our room.

The obstructions didn't bother me since I could still see the ocean and admire ports.

The porthole was right next to the living area, which had a three-seat couch and a small table.

Above the couch, there was a piece of art displaying Castaway Cay, Disney's private island in the Bahamas.

The rest of the cabin lacked artwork, aside from a photo of Walt Disney and his wife, Lillian Disney, near the dresser and closet.

However, there were a lot of subtle Disney-inspired details, including the Mickey Mouse ears on a wall sconce.

There was also nautical decor throughout the room, including light shades that showed cruise ships sailing around the globe.

The blanket at the foot of the queen-size bed also featured some nautical imagery. Unlike large beds on many other cruises, the queen didn't separate into two twins.

The room could sleep two additional guests thanks to a pullout couch and a retractable bed, which is where my son stayed throughout the trip.

The top bunk had a whimsical night-sky design above it, and my son could easily turn the built-in night-light on and off on his own.

We could separate my son's sleeping area from the queen-size bed using a thick, dark curtain.

Across from my son's sleeping area, there was a desk, drawers, a mini fridge, and a flat-screen TV that swiveled between the living area and the queen-size bed.

The desk area had several USB ports and outlets, giving me a place to charge my electronics and plug in the blow-dryer that was provided in the room.

The stateroom had a split-bathroom design, with a toilet and a sink in their own room.

The shower and tub were in a separate room, along with a second sink.

The adjustable showerhead was a nice touch that can accommodate adults and children regardless of their heights.

Reusable containers of H2O+ products were featured throughout the bathroom, which added to the stateroom's comfortable, luxurious feel.

This "secret porthole" stateroom offered ample space, useful amenities, imaginative design touches, and many comforts at a lower price point than a traditional porthole room, and we'd love to book it again.

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Pros and Cons of an Inside Stateroom on Disney Cruise Line

It can be difficult to choose the right stateroom for your family. When my family of five sails together on Disney Cruise Line we prefer to book two staterooms, so cost is always a factor, but so is comfort and convenience. Each time we have cruised at least one, and sometimes both of our rooms, have always been an inside stateroom. These rooms have lots of benefits, but a few downsides as well.

Two Types of Inside Staterooms on Disney Cruise Line

An inside stateroom on Disney Cruise Line is a room that is on the interior of the ship, so they have no porthole windows or balconies. When you book an inside stateroom, you have two choices:

• Standard Inside Stateroom
• Deluxe Inside Stateroom

The difference? A Standard Deluxe Stateroom has a single bathroom with a toilet, sink and tub/shower unit. While a Deluxe Inside Stateroom has a split bathroom configuration where one bathroom has a toilet and sink, and the other has your tub/shower unit and another sink.

This is a Standard Inside Stateroom Layout.

This is a Deluxe Inside Stateroom layout.

Pro: Inside Staterooms Cost Less

The main perk of an inside stateroom is the cost. If you aren’t as interested in scenic views or extra square footage, and mainly use your room to sleep and shower, then this might be the perfect room for you.

Con: You Will Not Have an Exterior View

Inside staterooms have no windows and no balcony doors (I read that in the voice of your Ghost Host from the Haunted Mansion ). So, you will have no private view of the scenery as you sail through the Caribbean or the shoreline of Alaska .

On some itineraries, I am fine with this, specifically on a Bahamian or Western Caribbean cruise – both of which I have sailed multiple times. However, there have been times when the view was worth every penny.

If this is a once in a lifetime cruise for your family, I recommend getting the balcony.

Pro: Magic Portholes

Your inside stateroom may lack a real view, but Magic Portholes (exclusively on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy ) offer real-time views of the ship, and from time to time special visitors like Mickey, Donald or Aladdin will sail or fly by your window.

Pro or Con? Inside Staterooms Have No Natural Light

This is a pro for some, and a con for others. For us, this is a big pro! 

My husband works odd hours. This means his daily schedule is independent of when the sun rises or sets. Having no natural light in the room allows him to sleep in and relax a little longer each morning. We also have three young adult children who like to sleep in on vacation.

And Like Anna in Frozen , when the sun is up, I am up, so I have had some of the best sleep of my life in these darkened cave-like rooms. Talk about relaxing!

Pro: Two Rooms are Better Than One

Sure, our family of five could technically sail in a Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom (with or without a verandah), but we prefer to sail in two rooms. Inside staterooms may be some of the smallest rooms on the ship, but when you combine two, you get excellent space for the money, and more importantly, two rooms means we get two full bathrooms.

And with three kids, no one has to share a bed.

Update: Inside Staterooms on the Disney Wish

At this time, Disney Cruise Line only lists Standard Inside Staterooms in the Disney Wish’s stateroom inventory . There are no Deluxe Inside Staterooms on the ship. These rooms are approximately 169 square feet – which is the same size as on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.

The artist renderings of these rooms do not show Magic Portholes, though the deck plans do list them as a feature (which could be old programming from room features on other ships). Instead, over the queen bed, we see a painting depicting Cinderella’s approach to the ball at the castle.

Another notable difference is the location of the television. Instead of residing in a movable frame next to the desk, it is mounted to the wall next to the bed, which could make for uncomfortable tv viewing.

The Standard Inside Staterooms have a three-piece bathroom that includes a tub/toilet with a glass door, toilet, and sink.

While the bedding and decor are updated, the overall layout is similar, with a few notable changes. The closets have been moved next to the vanity/desks, and the bathroom door opens out to the main room area – not sure if that is a choice I would have made. But as an avid inside stateroom cruiser, I am excited to experience a cruise in one of these beautiful rooms.

The Biggest Pro of an Inside Stateroom: The Disney Service Standard is the Same!

When you book any stateroom on Disney Cruise Line, you can expect the same gold standard of service. Your amazing Stateroom Host (or room steward) will visit your room twice a day for housekeeping, turn-down service and to replenish towels and toiletries. You still have the same access to shows, dining and all other on-board activities as guests booked in more expensive rooms. 

As avid cruisers, we like that having an inside stateroom frees up a little extra cash to spend elsewhere on our vacation. That’s not to say we don’t splurge on a verandah from time to time, but we know that we are perfectly happy no matter the category of room we book.

Need help choosing the right stateroom for your family. This episode of the DCL Show will help.

About Post Author

Melanie Clatfelter

Melanie is the mom of three young adults. She is a native Floridian who now lives in North Carolina. She is a Gold Castaway Club Member who has sailed on all four of the current ships at least once and is ready to set sail on the Disney Wish this fall.

See author's posts

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Theme parks, disney cruise line – what you need to know, cruise line ships, recent walt disney world, recent disneyland, all reviews, recent reviews, allears style, newsletter home, inside stateroom magical porthole categories 10 and 11 disney dream.

Category 10 and 11 Information | Stateroom Pics | Stateroom Video | Porthole Video with Animation

Categories 10 and 11 are cabins that are "inside staterooms" and have no view at all outside the ship. The difference between the 2 categories is that a Category 10 is larger (204 sq.ft.) and has the split bathroom with sink and shower/tub in one area separate from the sink and toilet. The only difference in the lettered subcategories are ship location.

Following is a detailed description of Category 11, keep in mind, all applies to the Cat 10 except as described above.

Category 11 staterooms are the most basic offered on the Disney Dream. The cabin has a queen-size bed, single convertible sofa, and one bathroom with sink, toilet, and tub/shower. Some offer an upper berth pull-down bed. The cabin sleeps 3-4 and is 169 sq feet. These cabins are located in interior hallways. There is very little storage for those who wish to unpack. However, suitcases easily fit under the bed.

Amenities include: 22" LCD flat screen TV on swivel arm with remote, iPod docking station, full length mirror, small refrigerator, in-room safe, phone with voice messaging, and a privacy curtain.

Standard Inside Staterooms are Category 11A-11C; ; Category 11B – Decks 5, 6, 7; Category 11C – Deck 2

The Category 11 staterooms also feature a Disney exclusive, the Magical Porthole! This magical window provides you with a real time view of what is happening outside of the ship via high definition cameras are located on the exterior. The porthole display is sprinkled periodically with, well Disney magic. You may catch a glimpse of very short animation featuring either Pixar or Disney characters. The virtual porthole is silent – you will have no idea when the animation will appear (and it is infrequent ). There is an on/off switch next to the bed. At night, the image looks like the snowy static that appeared on tvs at one time, when the signal was off for the night. Night views are very difficult as you'll see in the video below.

The magical porthole during the day was a real plus for this small inside cabin. We were able to relax and not feel like we had no idea what was happening outside. That said, there is nothing like having an actual oceanview cabin. The inside staterooms have been selling out quickly – so much so that currently (Feb 2011), it is less expensive to get a category 9 deluxe oceanview stateroom. While that remains the case, I'd strong suggest the oceanview!

We'd love to include feedback from a family who has stayed in a magical porthole. Please email us!

Stateroom Photos

(click on photo for larger size) Cabin has been decorated with Bon Voyage package (extra charge)

Stateroom Video

Virtual porthole video.

This video was taken over the course of 5 days and 4 nights and is the consolidation of several hours of footage. The virtual porthole has no sound and you have no idea when the animation may appear. Based on our stay, the animation is very brief and infrequent.

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Disney Cruise Line Stateroom Categories Explained

Front, back, top, bottom, left, right, somewhere in the middle? There are so many choices when choosing your stateroom (like a hotel room, but on water) on a Disney Cruise. No worries though, I explain all of the various categories and help you choose the best stateroom for your family’s magical vacation!

As of right now, there are 4 Disney ships in their fleet. The Dream and Fantasy are sister ships with the same layout and the Magic and Wonder are sister ships with the same layout. When selecting a cruise itinerary, you want to make sure you know which ship you will be sailing on because the stateroom categories are different.

There are 2 main things you have to consider when choosing a stateroom: what type of stateroom do you want (floor plan) and where on the ship do you want to be (category). The Dream and Fantasy have 9 floor plans and 28 room categories. The Magic & Wonder have 10 floor plans and 22 room categories. That’s a lot! I have broken it down into 4 easy steps to pick your perfect stateroom!

Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy Deck Plans

Disney Magic and Disney Wonder Deck Plans

4 steps to choosing your stateroom:

Determine how many people are in your party. This decides what type of room you need. When you go online to look at availability, select the total number of adults and children (with their ages) the rooms will be filtered down to the ones that will fit your party size.

Dream & Fantasy: If you have 1, 2, 3, or 4 people in your party you have free access to all rooms and categories on the ship. If you have 5 people, you can choose from 5 floor plans on the ships. If you have more than 5 on the Dream & Fantasy you will need 2 staterooms.

Magic & Wonder: If you have 1, 2 or 3 people in your party you can choose between all room floor plans and categories on the ships. If you have 4 people you can choose from 9 floor plans. 5 people, you can choose between 5 floor plans and there are 2 floor plans that can sleep up to 7!

Choose 1 of 4 floor plans. Do you want a room with a view?

1.     Inside: no windows (however, the Fantasy and Dream have Magical Portholes; a LED TV screen over the bed with real-time views of outside)

2.     Oceanview: Dream & Fantasy: 1 or 2 large portholes, Magic & Wonder: 1 large porthole or 2 smaller portholes

3.     Verandah: There are 3 types of verandahs (balconies):

•  The  standard verandah  features an open-air balcony skirted by an acrylic wall, allowing for a full view of the horizon even while seated.
• The  whitewall verandah  offers open-air lounging with a solid wall from the deck to the railing. Most of these staterooms are located in the back (aft) portion of the ship.
• The  navigator’s verandah  is enclosed for greater privacy while still affording a stunning view and sea breezes through a large, open-air porthole above the railing.
• Verandahs differ by size and style depending on the ship and stateroom type, and the view on some verandahs may be obstructed.
• On connecting verandah staterooms, the partitions can be opened to create an even more spacious balcony.

• Concierge: Personalized assistance in planning every cruise detail, including:

Pre-reserve many of your onboard activities and services online, up to 120 days prior to your sail date.

• Port Adventures
• Reservations for  Palo or Remy , spa treatments or nursery stays
• Dining room seating requests
• Special occasions and celebrations
• Any other special requests, from pre-arrival to post-cruise

Shipboard Services

• Priority check-in and boarding at a dedicated check-in station
• Private welcome reception
• Exclusive access to dedicated areas on the ship, including the Concierge Lounge and sun deck via a private entrance.
• Down Duvets
• Choose from pillow options including hypoallergenic, feather and therapeutic memory foam
• Personal robe and slippers
• Access to the media library in the Concierge Lounge
• Complimentary Wi-Fi internet service (length of cruise)

Room preferences to consider:

What specific stateroom type do you want?

• Suite: Royal, 1 bedroom, or 2 bedrooms
• Deluxe family: sleeps 5
• Deluxe: split bathroom
• Standard: single bathroom
• Guaranteed: Disney will select for you your stateroom and guarantee that it will be in the category chosen or a higher category. This is a restricted-fare category.
• Wheelchair accessible

Where on the ship do you want to be? Forward (front), midship, or aft (back)

Do you get seasick? There are different theories to this, but generally, if you get sea sick you will want a stateroom with a verandah so you can breathe in fresh air or a room with a porthole. Focusing on the line where the sky meets the sea can help alleviate nausea. Also, having a stateroom in the middle of the ship helps with the rocking feeling.

Are you on a budget? The higher the deck the more expensive the stateroom is. Also, the closer you are to mid ship the more expensive the room is. You will also pay more to see the ocean. Inside staterooms with no windows on a lower deck either near the front (forward) or back (aft) are the least expensive.

Pick your room

In this step, you actually get to choose your specific room number. You can also select staterooms that adjoin if you are going with another stateroom. If the room connects, you will see an arrow next to the room number. The direction the arrow is going in is the room it connects to. You can still select one of these rooms even if you are not traveling with another party, you just don’t want to unlock the door 🙂

Do you want to be next to the elevators? The elevators midship are generally busier and therefore are louder, but on the other hand, you also have close access to the stairwell & elevators to get to other decks quickly.

When you have made your selection, you will be given a category #. For example, it will look like this: (Category 04E).

You’re done, celebrate!

But what does that number and letter mean?

If you want to dig in deeper to the room categories and find out what the number and letter means, you can keep on reading. I am giving you fair warning, there is a lot of information below.  For planning purposes, my suggestion is to print out the list below and make notes or cross off which ones do not fit your needs.

Disney Dream & Disney Fantasy Category Specifics

These are the larger ships in Disney’s fleet with 1,250 staterooms each. There are 14 decks (or levels); 9 have staterooms on them, with 28 categories and 9 room layouts! 

9 Stateroom Layouts on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy

1. concierge royal suite with verandah.

• Category R: There are only 2 of this type of room on each ship. Both are on deck 12 at the very front of the ship (forward). One is on the left (port) the other is on the right (starboard).
• 1,781 square feet, including the verandah
• One master bedroom with queen size bed
• One wall pull-down double bed
• One wall pull-down single bed in the living room
• Two bathrooms with rain shower
• Whirlpool tub
• Living room
• Dining salon
• Walk-in closets

2. Concierge 1-bedroom suite with Verandah

• Category T: There are 19 of these type rooms on each ship. They are located on decks 11 and 12 near the front of the ship (forward). Located on both sides of the ship. 1 is wheelchair accessible.
• 622 square feet including verandah
• One bedroom with queen size bed
• Living area with double convertible sofa
• Private Verandah

3. Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

• Category V: There are 20 of these types of rooms on each ship. They are located on decks 11 and 12 near the front of the ship (forward). Located on both sides of the ship. 1 is wheelchair accessible.
• 306 square feet including verandah
• Queen size bed
• Double convertible sofa
• Upper berth pull-down bed
• Full bath with round tub and shower
• Additional half bath

4. Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

• 04 A has 128 staterooms with 64 on deck 9 and 64 on deck 10. All are located midship to back (aft).
• 04 B has 62 staterooms all on deck 8. All are located midship to back (aft). 4 are wheelchair accessible.
• 04 C has 64 staterooms all on deck 7. All are located midship to back (aft).
• 04 D has 63 staterooms all on deck 6. All are located midship to back (aft). 2 are wheelchair accessible.
• 04 E has 44 staterooms all on deck 5. All are located near the front (forward) or back (aft). 1 is wheelchair accessible.
• 299 square feet including verandah
• Single convertible sofa
• Wall pull-down bed (in most)
• Upper berth pull-down bed (in some)
• Split bath with round tub (in most) and shower

5. Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

• There are a total of 3 categories each broken down: 05 (A-E), 06 (A & B), & 07 (A)
• 05 A has 168 staterooms on deck 9 & 10. All are located midship to the front (forward) or back (aft).
• 05 B has 78 staterooms all on deck 8. All are located midship to the front (forward) or back (aft).
• 05 C has 82 staterooms all on deck 7. All are located midship to the front (forward) or back (aft).
• 05 D has 88 staterooms all on deck 6. All are located midship to the front (forward) or back (aft).
• 05 E has 29 staterooms on deck 6, 7, 8, 9, & 10. All are located at the very back (aft). All have white wall verandahs. 2 are wheelchair accessible.
• 06 A has 10 staterooms on decks 8 & 9. All are located back (aft). All have white wall verandahs.
• 06 B has 20 staterooms on decks 5, 6, & 7. All are located back (aft). All have white wall verandahs.
• 07 A is a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Navigator’s Verandah. There are 24 staterooms located on decks 5, 6, 7, 8, & 9. Mainly in the front (forward) or back (aft)
• 246 square feet including verandah
• Upper berth pull-down bed (if sleeping 4)
• Split bath with tub and shower

6. Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom

• 08 A has 12 staterooms located on decks 5 & 6 in the front (forward). The shapes of these rooms are squarer versus rectangular and each stateroom has 2 large portholes! 1 is wheelchair accessible.
• 08 B has 22 staterooms located on deck 9, either in the front (forward) or back (aft).
• 08 C has 44 staterooms located on decks 7 & 8, either in the front (forward) or back (aft).
• 08 D has 30 staterooms located on decks 7 & 8, either in the front (forward) or back (aft).
• 241 square feet
• Split bath with round tub and shower (in most)

7. Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom

• 09 A has 10 staterooms located on decks 5, 6, 7, & 8 all either in the front (forward) or back (aft). 4 are wheelchair accessible.
• Things to keep in mind when booking this category: the main lobby atrium is the deck above and the tender lobby is the deck below, so it might be noisy
• 09 C has 10 staterooms located on decks 7 & 8 at the very front (forward) of the ship. 2 are wheelchair accessible.
• 09 D has 11 staterooms located on decks 6, 7, & 8 all at the very front (forward) of the ship. 3 are wheelchair accessible.
• 204 square feet

8.    Deluxe Inside Stateroom

• Category 10 A has 19 staterooms sporadically located on decks 5, 6, 7, 8, & 9

9.    Standard Inside Stateroom

• 11 A has 64 staterooms located on decks 8, 9, & 10. There are some located front (forward), midship, and back (aft)
• 11 B has 40 staterooms located on decks 5, 6, & 7. Most are located near the front (forward) and back (aft) of the ship.
• 169 square feet
• Bath with tub and shower

Disney Magic & Disney Wonder Specifics

These are the smaller ships in Disney’s fleet with 875 staterooms each. There are 11 decks (or levels); 6 have staterooms on them, with 22 categories and 10 room layouts!

10 Stateroom Layouts on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder

1.    concierge royal suite with verandah.

• Category R: There are only 2 of this type of room on each ship. Both are on deck 8 at the mid to front of the ship (forward). The one on the left (port) is the Walter E. Disney Suite and the other, on the right (starboard) is the Roy O. Disney Suite.
• 1,029 square feet, including the verandah
• Two bedrooms with queen size bed the other has two twin beds and two pull-down upper berths
• Two and a half bathrooms with whirlpool tubs
• Media library with wall pull-down bed

2.    Concierge 2-bedroom suite with Verandah

• Category S: There are 2 of these type rooms on each ship. They are located on deck 8 near the front of the ship (forward). One on each side (port and starboard).
• 945 square feet including verandah
• Living area with convertible sofa
• Two and a half bathrooms

3.    Concierge 1-bedroom suite with Verandah

• Category T: There are 18 of these type rooms on each ship. They are located throughout deck 8. 4 are wheelchair accessible
• 614 square feet including verandah
• Two bathrooms

4.    Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

• Category V: There are 10 of these types of rooms on each ship. They are located on deck 8 throughout.
• 304 square feet including verandah
• Pull-down upper berth bed (in most)
• Privacy divider

5.    Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

• 04 A has 32 staterooms on deck 8. All are located midship to back (aft).
• 04 B has 32 staterooms all on deck 8. Located front (forward) and back (aft).
• 04 E has 6 staterooms all on deck 8. All are located near back (aft). 1 is wheelchair accessible.
• Wall pull-down bed
• Pull-down upper berth (in most)
• Private verandah

6.    Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

• This floor plan is broken down into 2 categories 05 (A-C) & 06 (A)
• 05 A has 58 staterooms on deck 7. All are located midship
• 05 B has 106 staterooms: 46 are on deck 7 in the front (forward) or back (aft) and 60 are on deck 6 all located midship.
• 05 C has 56 staterooms 46 are on deck 6 in the front (forward) or back (aft) and 10 are on deck 5 all located near the back (aft).
• 06 A has 32 staterooms on decks 5,6, & 7. All are located back (aft). 6 are wheelchair accessible.
• 268 square feet including verandah

7.    Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Navigator’s Verandah

• Category 07 A has 30 staterooms located on decks 5, 6, & 7 all in the back (aft) of the ship.
• Enclosed private verandah with limited views

8.    Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom

• 09 A has 58 staterooms located on decks 5, 6, & 7 in the front (forward). 2 are wheelchair accessible.
• 09 B has 66 staterooms located on deck 2, all are mid-deck.
• 09 C has 80 staterooms located on decks 2, either in the front (forward) or back (aft).
• 09 D has 25 staterooms located on decks 1, all are mid-deck to the front (forward) and on the left (port side). All rooms in this category have 2 small portholes.

9.    Deluxe Inside Stateroom

• 10 A has 19 staterooms located on decks 5, 6, & 7. All are located in the front (forward) of the ship. 1 on deck 7 is wheelchair accessible.
• 10 B has 48 staterooms located on deck 2. Mainly midship.
• 10 C has 17 staterooms located on deck 1. All are mid-deck to the front (forward) and on the left (port side).
• 214 square feet
• Upper berth pull-down bed (in some) Privacy divider

10.  Standard Inside Stateroom

• 11 A has 66 staterooms located on decks 6 & 7. There are some located front (forward), midship, and back (aft). 2 are wheelchair accessible.
• 11 B has 81 staterooms located on decks 6 & 7. All are located near the front (forward) or back (aft) of the ship.
• 11 C has 37 staterooms located on deck 2 & 3. All on deck 2 are located near the front (forward) of the ship and those on deck 3 are located in the back (aft).
• 184 square feet

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Best Staterooms on a Disney Cruise

Disney Cruise Lines are perfect for families looking to enjoy quality time together. But with so many different categories and subcategories, how do you know which stateroom is right for you? Let’s investigate how to select the best staterooms on a Disney cruise for your family vacation.

Not familiar with the term “stateroom”?  Disney Cruise Line refers to the individual passenger rooms on its cruise ships as “staterooms.”  You might have heard these previously referred to elsewhere as “ cabins .”

The Disney Cruise Line offers four main types of staterooms: Concierge (the most expensive ), Veranda, Oceanview, and Inside (the least expensive). In each category and within each ship, there are different options (subcategories). Category 1 is typically the most costly, followed by Category 2, etc. Category 11 is the least expensive. Within each category, subcategory A is typically more expensive than subcategory B, and so on.

The amenities and size of the room usually correspond to the price, with Category 1 being the biggest and best while Category 11 has the smallest rooms with the fewest features.

Within each numbered category, the letter subcategories typically designate more preferable locations on the ship’s deck plan (rather than differences in stateroom amenities).  For example, a 4A stateroom might be in a better location than a 4C stateroom, but the interiors of both staterooms will be virtually identical. Note that some Concierge staterooms are an exception to this rule; Category 1A is a drastically different stateroom versus Category 1B.

Generally speaking, rooms located on higher decks or the middle of each deck plan (known as midship or mid ) are considered more preferable than lower decks or staterooms that are forward (front of the ship) or aft (rear of the ship). Which side of the ship the room is on (port side or starboard side) generally does not factor into stateroom category.

Also note that some stateroom categories cater to different travel parties. Some staterooms might only sleep up to a family of four , whereas others can hold five or more.

Please note that this guide does not include accessible suites , which offer the same level of convenience and comfort to guests with disabilities. For questions about accessible suites or any of the below-listed rooms, please get in touch with The Vacationeer .

Their team of experienced Disney travel agents will help you find the best itineraries at the lowest price, and there’s never an additional charge for their services.

Now, let’s look at the best staterooms on a Disney Cruise ship .

Concierge Staterooms (Most Expensive Main Category)

The stunning Concierge Wish Tower Suite stateroom on the Disney Wish | Image © Disney

The Concierge category offers the most luxurious – and expensive – accommodations on Disney Cruise Line. Each room has a large private verandah and premium amenities and services.

The Concierge Wish Tower Suite and the Concierge Royal Suite are the ship’s most spacious and lavishly appointed rooms. Additionally, the Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite is a more modestly priced option that still offers an incredible experience. For families, the Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom provides plenty of space and convenient access to all of the ship’s family-friendly amenities.

Concierge-level staterooms in categories 1, 2, and 3 include additional perks , such as access to priority seating for excursions and events and exclusive access to the Concierge Lounge, where you can relax with complimentary coffee, tea, and pastries or enjoy evening hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.

Here’s a breakdown of the categories found in the Concierge category.

Category 1A – Concierge Wish Tower Suite (Disney Wish cruise ship only)

The Wish Tower Suite on Deck 14 and 15 is the Disney Cruise Line’s most luxurious room. It has two bedrooms, a space for children with two bunk beds, and a library that can convert into two more rooms. Aside from the four full bathrooms and the half-bath off the living room, the suite has floor-to-ceiling windows on both decks, providing a great view of the ship from the suite.

Eight guests can stay in this 1,966 sq. ft. suite. It has a wow factor like no other!

Recommendation :  The Concierge Wish Tower Suite is the perfect choice for families or groups who have the money to spend and won’t settle for anything less than the best. Nothing out-competes the luxury of this stateroom.  It truly is the best stateroom on a Disney Cruise.

The location of the Concierge Wish Tower Suite | Image © Disney

Category 1A – Concierge Royal Suite w/ Verandah (Disney Dream, Fantasy, Magic, & Wonder cruise ships)

The Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah stateroom is the largest and most luxurious suite offered on Disney’s Dream, Fantasy, Magic, and Wonder. The Magic and Wonder ships can accommodate up to 7 guests, and the Dream and Fantasy ships can accommodate up to 5 guests.

The suite features a living area with a formal dining table and sitting area and a massive verandah with a private hot tub on the Dream and Fantasy ships. The decor in these suites is luxurious and tasteful, making it the perfect choice for those looking for the ultimate in luxury and comfort.

Recommendation :  This is the Crème de la Crème of staterooms on the Disney Dream, Fantasy, Magic, and Wonder cruise ships. If roominess and luxury are what you’re after, and you have the money to spend, then Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah is a great choice. 

Category 1B – Concierge 2-Story Royal Suite w/ Verandah (Disney Wish)

The Concierge 2-Story Royal Suite with Verandah on the Disney Wish cruise ship is a luxurious and spacious stateroom that spans two decks (decks 12 and 13). The Suite features a spiral staircase, two large bedrooms, three full bathrooms, a large dining and living area, and two large verandahs with a private hot tub.

This stateroom is an impressive 1,759 sq. ft and can comfortably sleep six guests,

Recommendation:  The 2-Story Royal Suite is another fantastic offering from the new Disney Wish. Perfect for families and groups of six who want to be treated like kings and queens. 

Category 1B – Concierge 2-Bedroom Suite w/ Verandah (Disney Magic & Wonder)

Disney Cruise Line’s Concierge 2-Bedroom Suite with Verandah features two separate bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, and a spacious sitting area.  The total area is 945 sq. ft., including the verandah, and can accommodate up to seven people. A large verandah is perfect for enjoying the views or relaxing. It is an impressive suite, perfect for a large group or family!

This stateroom is only available on Disney Magic and Disney Wonder .

Recommendation:   An excellent choice for families who want plenty of luxury and space. Choose the starboard (right) side if you sail to Castaway Cay because you will have better views of Disney’s private island when docked. 

Category 1C – 1-Story Royal Suites w/ Verandah (Disney Wish)

With a classic elegance inspired by Sleeping Beauty, the Disney Wish’s 1-Story Royal Suites with Verandah are perfect for families and groups of up to 6. There are two bedrooms, a living room and dining room, three full bathrooms, and an impressive 1,507 square feet of living space. The wet bar is perfect for entertaining, and the large private verandah with a whirlpool tub is the ideal place to relax.

Recommendation :  These beautiful and family-friendly staterooms will make your cruise vacation unforgettable.

Category 2A and 2B – Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite w/ Verandah (All Disney Cruise Ships)

Disney cruises offer a 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah for those looking for a little extra space and privacy on their vacation. The suite sleeps up to 5 people and features a separate bedroom, two bathrooms, a living room, and a wet bar.  The main bathroom has double sinks, a rain-style shower, and a whirlpool tub. A large walk-in closet provides plenty of space for storing your belongings.

The main difference between Categories 2A and 2B is location. Magic and Wonder’s 2A suites have a slightly different layout with a longer verandah. Dream and Fantasy’s 2A suites are located between the two connecting Royal Suites and the ship’s front center. The 2A suites of the Disney Wish are located on deck 12 and have a deeper verandah than the 2B suites.

Recommendation:  This is an excellent option if you only need one bedroom but still want plenty of roominess and class. 

A Concierge One-Bedroom Suite on the Disney Fantasy | Image © Disney

Category 3A and 3B – Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom w/ Verandah (Disney Dream, Fantasy, Magic, & Wonder)

The Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah on Disney cruises is a luxurious private room that sleeps up to five people. This room is complete with a private verandah with beautiful sea views and an abundance of warm woods and custom fabrics.

The stateroom features a queen-sized bed, a convertible sofa, a Pullman bunk bed, and a spacious bathroom with a shower, TV, and a safe. There are just over 300 square feet of living space. Additionally, families have concierge-level guests access to a private lounge and priority boarding.

Recommendation:   Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom is excellent for families that want the luxury and perks of a Concierge-level stateroom but don’t need all the bells and whistles (and expense) of the Category 1 and 2 staterooms. 

Category 3B – Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom (Disney Wish)

The Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom on Disney Wish offers stunning sea views through floor-to-ceiling windows.

A king bed, a single convertible sofa, and an upper-berth single pull-down bed make up this room, which can accommodate up to five guests. There is also a wall pull-down bed in rooms that sleep five. The 357-square-foot room provides plenty of space for the whole family to relax.

Guests staying in a Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom also have access to special concierge services, including priority boarding and seating at shows and restaurant reservations. If you’re looking for a truly magical experience, book a stay in one of these Little Mermaid-themed spaces.

Recommendation :  These are fun and family-oriented staterooms on Disney’s newest cruise ship. This is a good option if you want a Concierge-level room at a relatively affordable price.

Verandah (Balcony) Staterooms

A stateroom verandah onboard the Disney Magic | Image © Disney

Verandah staterooms are Disney’s most spacious non-concierge accommodations, each with its own balcony outside the ship where you can enjoy the fresh air while watching the ocean go by.

Category four, five, six, and seven are verandah staterooms. Some rooms in this category offer partial views, but all provide a comfortable and relaxing space.

Category 4 – Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom w/ Verandah (All Disney Cruise Ships)

The Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah on Disney cruises is the largest stateroom on the ships that are not concierge suites. Roughly 300 sq ft, it sleeps up to 5 and is the only single-room option for a family of 5 on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder. The Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah is also the most frequently booked option for families of 5 on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy .

All of these factors considered it’s no wonder that this room type is one of the most popular among families cruising with Disney.

Recommendation : The Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom is perfect for families of four or five who value roominess and want to enjoy the ocean breeze from the verandah . 

Category 5 – Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah (All Disney Cruise Ships)

The Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah on Disney cruises is a fantastic choice for your family cruise. With enough space to comfortably sleep 3-4 guests and an unobstructed verandah, this room type is perfect for enjoying the beautiful view.

Magic and Wonder’s cabins are 268 sq ft, while Dream, Fantasy, and Wish are 248 sq ft. The Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah come with a queen bed, a sleeper sofa, and a pull-out berth (if sleeping four). This room type also features a sitting area, plenty of closet space, and a private verandah to enjoy the view without leaving your stateroom.

Recommendation :   Among the regular-sized verandah cabins, these are the most common and the most frequently booked for families with four or fewer members. They are an excellent choice!

A Category 5 stateroom on the Disney Dream | Image © Disney

Category 6 – Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah – Undersized, Obstructed View, or White Wall  (All Disney Cruise Ships)

Category 6 staterooms are located near the back of the ship’s upper deck. Accommodations are nearly identical to those found in Category 5 but have either an undersized, obstructed, or white wall verandah. Those who book a Category 6 cabin on the Magic and Wonder will have full white wall railings, while on the Dream and Fantasy, the white wall only extends halfway up the railing.

All of these staterooms sleep at least three, and many sleep 4.

Recommendation :  Because these rooms are nearly identical to Category 5 rooms, they are a terrific way to save money on your Disney cruise . We recommend the Dream and Fantasy 6B staterooms because of their stunning views, and Disney Magic and Wonder’s Category 6 staterooms on Deck 6 have more verandah space, as do 5650 and 5150.

Category 7 – Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Navigator’s Verandah (All Disney Cruise Ships)

Navigator verandahs on Disney Magic and Disney Wonder feature mostly enclosed balconies with a viewing window cut out. In contrast, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish have a minimally obstructed view from the verandah.

Recommendation:  The rooms in Category 7 are nearly identical to those in Category 5 and 6, so they are a good way to save on a Disney cruise if you don’t mind having a partial view. We believe these are the best values in the verandah category, particularly on the Dream, Fantasy, and Wish.

Feeling overwhelmed?  Working with an experienced Disney travel agent can calm the waters!  Contact the Disney Cruise experts at The Vacationeer !

Not only will they arrange every part of your cruise, but they’ll provide a generous onboard credit you can use towards purchases while you’re on the ship.  There’s never any obligation to book, and there’s no additional charge to use their planning services!

If it’s your first time cruising with Disney , working with The Vacationeer really is the best way to go!

Oceanview (Porthole) Staterooms

The giant porthole featured in some oceanview staterooms on the Disney Dream | Image © Disney

The Oceanview category of staterooms (Category 8 and 9) features rooms with scenic vistas through genuine porthole windows. The Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom is perfect for families, while the Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom provides a more intimate setting.

Category 8 – Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom (Disney Dream, Fantasy, & Wish)

Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish to offer a truly luxurious cruise experience with their Category 8 Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms.

These staterooms are much larger than the standard size (around 240 sq ft), sleeping between 3 and 5 people comfortably. In addition, they feature unique round tub-showers (see the video above for Category 4) and large portholes with seating, making them the perfect place to relax and take in the breathtaking views. The exceptions to this are the 8As, which are similar to suites with two large portholes and plenty of space. Families and groups can enjoy Category 8A even more since many have a divider between the bed and seating area. None of them will disappoint.

Recommendation :  Families looking for affordability and comfort will find the Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom is the right choice.

Category 9 – Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom (All Disney Cruise Ships)

The Category 9 Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom sleeps 3 or 4 people and is the same size as the category 10’s with a similar layout and features. The Disney Dream and Fantasy Rooms are 204 sq ft, 214 on Disney Magic and Wonder, and 218 sq ft on Disney Wish. Most rooms have a porthole on one of the walls. On the Magic and Wonder ships, the 9D staterooms on deck 1 have two small portholes instead of one large porthole.

A, B, C, and D designations represent Disney’s assessment of the location and view of the room. In Dream, Fantasy, and Wish, the 9C and 9D staterooms typically have obstructed views and are usually located in the front of the vessel.

Recommendation :  If you prefer to save money over having a porthole in your room, opt for Category 10. 

Inside Staterooms (Least Expensive Main Category)

An Inside Stateroom on the Disney Wish | Image © Disney

The Inside category features Disney Cruise Line’s base accommodations, with no window (no exterior view) but still featuring a nautical motif. The Deluxe Inside Stateroom is slightly larger than the Standard Inside Stateroom and provides additional storage space and a sitting area.

Category 10 –Deluxe Inside Stateroom (Disney Dream, Fantasy, Magic, & Wonder)

Rooms in Category 10 are almost identical to those in Category 9, except for being unable to see the outside. These staterooms also have more square footage than those in Category 11.

The Disney Dream/Fantasy Deluxe Inside Staterooms are 204 sq ft, and the Disney Magic/Wonder rooms are 214 sq ft. They can accommodate 3 or 4 people.

Disney Wish does not have a Deluxe Inside category.

Virtual portholes on the Disney Dream and Fantasy ships allow passengers to see what is happening outside (along with a bit of Disney magic thrown in).

There are also a select few unnamed staterooms on the Magic/Wonder ships known in some circles as “secret porthole” staterooms — they actually have porthole windows but Disney decided not to classify them as oceanview rooms because lifeboats or other architectural elements obstruct the views.

Deluxe Inside Staterooms have a split bathroom, with one half having a sink and a shower, and the other half having a toilet and a sink. A, B, and C subcategories are assigned according to their locations, with A subcategories on upper decks or closer to midship, while C subcategories are on lower decks.

Recommendation : Deluxe Inside Cabins/Staterooms are an excellent option for couples or families of 3 or 4 on a budget. 

Category 11 – Standard Inside Stateroom (All Disney Cruise Ships)

Standard Inside Staterooms are typically the cheapest rooms available on Disney Cruise Line .

Standard Inside Staterooms sleep three, and some sleep four.  They’re smaller than other staterooms, but the amenities are the same. The Disney Magic and Wonder rooms are 184 square feet, while the Dream Fantasy and Wish rooms are 169 square feet.

There’s no split bathroom in a Standard Inside Stateroom. The Disney Dream and Fantasy ships feature a Magical Porthole with real-time views, but the other ships do not have exterior views.

Disney divides the rooms into categories A, B, and C based on attractiveness. Category 11A rooms are found on upper decks and near the ship’s middle, while 11B rooms are on lower decks.

Recommendation:  The Standard Inside Statement is a small and cheap option, so you shouldn’t expect too much from it. However, this DCL room offers more space than you would get on other (non-Disney) cruise ships of the same class. It allows couples and small families the opportunity to enjoy a Disney cruise at a reasonable price.

As always seems to be the case, the best option for you may not be the best option for another family.

Ask yourself the question: “what’s most important to me?”  Is it having a balcony? Is it experiencing concierge level service in a suite? Is it having additional beds for kids? Is it saving money and just making sure you’re onboard the ship?

Answering those questions, then reviewing deck plans, photos, reviews, and our guide/tips above will help you decide what’s best for you.

No matter your room type, you’re sure to have a magical experience aboard a Disney Cruise ship.

Thanks for reading our Best Staterooms on a Disney Cruise article.  Happy cruising (and don’t forget your passport)!

Ready to Book your Disney Cruise Line Stateroom?

Working with an experienced travel agent is the best way to ensure smooth sailing, and The Vacationeer is ready and willing to help you. They can help you determine the best staterooms on a Disney Cruise for your family and the best time to go on a Disney cruise as far as cost and weather are concerned.

Their team of Disney travel agents will help you wade through an ocean of option, arranging every part of your cruise and providing a generous onboard credit you can use towards purchases, activities, and gratuity while you’re on the ship.

Whether you’re planning far in advance or looking for a last-minute cruise , they have the know-how to save you money!

There’s never any obligation to book, and there’s no additional charge to use their planning services!

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Secret Porthole Room 5024

We stayed in Secret Porthole (SPH) room 5022 and 5024 on our Northern European cruise on the Disney Magic . We have stayed in other Secret Porthole rooms 5520 and 6006 . This was the first time we have staying in the connecting SPH rooms 5022 and 5024.

Like the other Secret Porthole rooms, we loved the location. The rooms are close to everything from Deck 5. Since it is a short run of cabins in the forward section of the ship there is not much noise from guests going by. We have however noticed noise from the crew door across the hall. It is not loud but opens and closes frequently overnight.

These SPH rooms were originally in the 9A category, but because the view from the porthole is obstructed by lifeboat canisters they were downgraded to a 10A. Recently they added rooms 6006 and 6506 to the 10A’s. Those rooms have a cleaning platform stored outside the window when the ship is at sea.

This room is the most obstructed of all the rooms. You can still see outside and get some sunlight but you are not going to get much of a view.

Check out our Stateroom 5024 walkthrough. Make sure you check our trip reports about our repositioning cruise from San Juan to New Orleans and our Westbound Transatlantic Cruise .

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PROS Of course, the biggest pro is the free view (click here to jump down to photos of each room's view) Another benefit is location...other Category 10 rooms are located on Deck 2, and some of them are under the nightclubs or other potentially noisy areas. When you are on Deck 5, you are under other staterooms, so the potential for overhead noise is much less. Another location plus is that they are forward (in the front of the ship), which puts them in close proximity to many of the activity areas. Personally, my favorite part of the ship is aft, but being in the back does involve a lot more walking.

CONS Of course, nothing is perfect, and this goes for the secret porthole rooms too. Being far forward can be a problem for people who are prone to motion sickness, although we have never had a problem with this. Also, there is a light on all night outside the porthole, and you have to make sure you are "decent" whenever it is open because you will occasionally see a maintenance worker right outside (both of this situations are easily remedied by closing the heavy curtains). Of course, the outside light can be a plus...we left the curtains open a little and used it as a nightlight.

Also, these staterooms are in a high traffic area because they are the first rooms in the hallway, so you can end up with a lot of foot traffic. Whether or not this is a bother depends a lot on how noisy or courteous the other families staying around you are. Noise is also a greater risk because of four of these rooms being adjoiners. Often, you can hear the people next door pretty clearly right through the door. Personally, I bring a white noise machine with me in order to drown out as much outside disturbance as possible. Although the secret porthole rooms have a greater noise potential, you still run a risk of noisy neighbors in any other stateroom...a lot of luck is involved, too.

Personally, I think that the pros of these staterooms outweigh the cons, particularly if you are on a budget but if you would like some natural light.

Disney Cruise Line Secret Porthole Rooms These are six rooms located on deck 5 which are categorized as Category 10 inside staterooms, but actually have portholes, albeit with obstructed views. They are away from the other Category 10 staterooms, which are located on deck 2, and are underneath the nightclubs, so risk being noisy in the evenings. Downsides are that there is always a light on outside of the porthole, and workers may sometimes be working outside. If you want a porthole and the natural light that it brings, but can't afford to pay for an outside stateroom, then these "secret" porthole rooms are the solution! Of course you've a better chance of snagging one the earlier you book. Stateroom numbers to request: 5020 5022 (connecting room) 5024 (connecting room) 5520 5522 (connecting room) 5524 (connecting room)  

Disney Dream and Fantasy Secret Rooms – How to Find Them

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DISNEY DREAM AND FANTASY SECRET CABINS

Disney Dream Secret Staterooms most definitely do exist! Not all staterooms are created equal – even within the same category.

Everything here applies to both the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy as they have the same basic design.

If you know where to find the best ones then you can try and book these for your next Disney cruise.

Here we have written the most comprehensive guide available to the Secret Rooms on Disney Dream and Fantasy.

Read on to find out how you can sometimes snag a bargain stateroom on the Disney Dream if you simply know where to look.

WHAT IS A DISNEY CRUISE SECRET STATEROOM?

What do we mean by Secret Staterooms? Obviously, there aren’t any actually hidden staterooms on the ship.

If you look at a Disney Dream deck plan all the staterooms are shown!

However, not all staterooms are created equal. It pays to know exactly which stateroom you are booking.

The ones the insiders know are the Disney Dream Secret Rooms.

A Disney Dream or Fantasy Secret Stateroom is one that offers what many would be considered an upgrade. Without paying the cost of an upgrade.

Remember, when we talk about the Dream everything still applies to Disney Fantasy.

If you are looking for a guide to staterooms on the Disney Wonder or Disney Magic you need to click here.

First, we need to understand a few things about the Disney Dream stateroom categories and how they are priced.

Disney Cruise Lines has a number of different categories of stateroom on all of their ships.

For the non-concierge staterooms on the Disney Dream, the Categories are numbered 11 to 4.

• Category 11 are Standard Inside Staterooms
• Category 10 are Deluxe Inside Staterooms
• Category 9 are Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms
• Category 8 are Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms
• Category 7 are Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms with Navigators Verandah
• Category 6 are Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah
• Category 5 are Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah
• Category 4 are Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah

So as you can see the lower the number the higher the category.

Price tends to be higher if the category is higher. For example, a Category 11 Standard Inside Stateroom will cost less than a Category 9 Deluxe Oceanview.

So Category 11 and 10 are the Inside Staterooms,

Within those categories, there are also subdivisions which are denoted by letters A to E.

So, for instance, you can have a Category 11A Stateroom, a 9B or a 4E.

What do the letters mean? They are different types of stateroom within the same category.

The letters show you that whilst the overall type of the room is the same there are differences.

These differences usually relate to location or view. Higher decks are seen as more desirable. So a Category 11A stateroom is on a lower deck than an 11B.

Sometimes the letter relates to the view. So it could mean that the balcony stateroom has an obstructed view.

Why does this matter and why do people look for the Disney Dream Secret Rooms?

Price. The cost of a Disney Cruise is determined by the Category of Stateroom that you book.

All identical Categories will be priced the same. For example, all 4Es will be at the same price, all 9Cs will be offered at the same price.

However, not all Category 4s will be at the same price.

The exciting part about looking for a Secret Stateroom is that you will get a Stateroom that is a little different.

The design of the ship means that there are certain staterooms that are a little different.

These staterooms don’t fit into the “Usual” Category. This means that you may get an upgrade without paying an increased price for it.

In other words, you get a Balcony Room for an Outside Stateroom price.

Disney Dream Secret Verandah Staterooms

What are the Disney Dream Secret Verandah Rooms? When the Disney Dream was first launched they were named as Category 6 Staterooms.

However, Disney Cruises began receiving complaints that some of these Staterooms had an obstructed view.

As these Category 6 rooms were priced the same as those with an unobstructed view, guests started to complain.

Disney listened to what people were saying and decided to designated these Staterooms as Category 7A,

These are now priced at a lower rate than Category 6 and above.

Category 7A on the Disney Dream is called a Navigators Verandah.

This is a bit confusing for anyone who has sailed on the Disney Magic or the Disney Wonder.

On the Classic Ships, the Navigator’s Verandah is a very distinct type of Stateroom. It has a fully enclosed outside space.

It can’t really be called a balcony as it is not open to the outside.

There aren’t any Navigators Verandahs like this on the Disney Fantasy or the Disney Dream.

The term Navigators Verandah on the Dream Class ships just means it has an obstructed view.

There are 22 out of the 24 Category 7A Navigators Verandah Staterooms which have an Obstructed View.

Some of these are less obstructed than others! So even within this category, there are some better rooms to look out for.

These Secret Verandah Staterooms are on Decks 6, 7, 8, and 9 of the Disney Dream.

This video shows an example of one of the Navigator’s Verandahs on the Disney Dream.

This shows Stateroom 6178 which we think is one of the more obstructed views of that Category.

The best of the Disney Cruise Secret Rooms with Verandah is 8022, 8164, 8520, and 8662 .

The obstruction is minimal and if these staterooms are available you should consider if they offer what you need for a better price than the category 6 Staterooms.

This is an example of one of the best Disney Dream Secret rooms. Stateroom 8022:

Next on the desirability scale are 7022, 7170, 7520, 7668, 9012, 9152, 9164, 9512, 9652, 9664. These have more of an obstruction but are still great choices.

The least desirable, as they do have quite a significantly obstructed view are 5024, 5524, 6178, 6678, 7182, 7680, 8176, 8674.

Staterooms 5188 and 5688 do not have an obstructed view, but they have a very small balcony. These are staterooms that we really would avoid on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy .

Here is a video showing 5688.

The balconies in these two Staterooms are so small that they can’t fit a chair. However, they do have a built-in bench that seats two.

What you have to remember about these Disney Dream Secret Rooms is that you will be getting a Verandah but paying for an Outside Stateroom.

So really it doesn’t matter how much of an obstruction it is, you are still getting great value from one of these Staterooms.

SECRET LARGE OVERSIZED DISNEY DREAM AND FANTASY STATEROOMS

There is another Category of Disney Dream Stateroom which some guests may want to consider, as they are larger than the standard size of that Category.

These Oversized Staterooms are all in the 8A category and there are only eight of them available. Some are handicapped accessible.

The first type of Category 8A Staterooms on the Disney Dream has an L Shaped living and sleeping area and open plan design.

They do not have the privacy curtain that all the other Staterooms have on the ship.

They also do not have a split bathroom or a tub. As they are handicapped accessible they have a large shower area with a curtain in the corner of the bathroom.

These Secret Rooms on the Disney Dream are 5018 and 5518 on Deck 5. There are more available on Deck 6 namely 6012, 6014, 6016, 6510, 6512 and 6514.

Staterooms 6014 and 6016 connect and so do 6512 and 6514. Each of these rooms has a support pole in the living and sleeping area.

All of these Staterooms sleep 4 guests so it can be a great choice for families who want some extra space and don’t mind the unusual bathroom arrangement.

The second type of Category 8A is also oversized, but has a divider wall between the living and the sleeping area. These Disney Dream staterooms are still only one room because although there is a wall it does not separate the areas completely.

These don’t have the split bathroom either, but as they are not handicapped accessible they are smaller than the other Category 8A bathrooms.

They do have the tub though so some people may prefer this.

There are only 4 Staterooms on the Disney Dream and Fantasy like this. They are 5020 and 5022 which connect and 5520 and 5522 which are also connecting.

This video gives a great view of what these unique staterooms look like.

DISNEY DREAM SECRET CONNECTING STATEROOMS

Sometimes you want to book more than one stateroom on the Disney Dream. Many of the Staterooms in all Categories are connecting Staterooms.

Just like in a hotel room, your Connecting Stateroom will have a door between each cabin which is lockable from each side.

These are a great choice for families, particularly if you have young children who are not yet old enough for a separate cabin.

However, what many guests don’t realize is that whilst s ome Staterooms do not have a connecting interior door, they do have a connecting Balcony Door.

Most of the Verandahs on the Disney Dream and Fantasy are able to be connected. You simply ask your Room Steward to unlock the steel door which separates the Verandahs.

DISNEY CONCIERGE SECRET STATEROOMS

Just as with the Category 4 to 11 Staterooms, some of the Concierge Staterooms are better than others. This is true even though some are in the same category and you will pay exactly the same rate for them.

If you want the larger balcony and are booking a One Bedroom Concierge Stateroom you should choose  11002, 11006, 12000, 12006, 12012, 12506 or 12512.

This is a video of Stateroom 11006 on the Disney Fantasy which is identical to the Disney Dream. As you will see, it has a great size balcony.

There are also some Concierge Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah which have the larger balconies.

These are Staterooms numbered 11004, 12008, 12010, 12508 and 12510 on the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy.

One Concierge Stateroom which has a completely unique design is 12000. This is a One Bedroom Concierge Suite which is located between the two Royal Suites on the ship.

Stateroom 12000 is designed so that it can connect with either or both of the two Royal Suites to form one huge suite of cabins at the front of the ship.

What this means is that when you walk into 12000 there is a corridor with connecting doors on the left and right to the Royal Suites on either side.

The advantage of Stateroom 12000 is that it is a large balcony.

The disadvantage is that people on Deck 13 above can look right down onto it. So if privacy is of high priority you may want to look at one of the other Disney Concierge Secret Staterooms.

DISNEY CRUISE STATEROOM AMENITIES

All of the Category 4 to 11 Staterooms on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy have certain features in common.

Here is what you can expect to find in your Disney Dream Stateroom.

Beverage Cooler . This really has to be called a Beverage Cooler and not a refrigerator as it doesn’t get particularly cold. You can also request that your Room Steward brings you some ice. There is an Ice Bucket already in your room.

You will also find four small glasses in every stateroom. It is much nicer drinking wine from a proper wine glass though.

Your Room Steward will also be happy to bring you wine glasses if you ask. Or you can bring them from one of the Disney Cruise Bars.

Disney Cruise Staterooms are larger than average and very well designed. This means that there is a good amount of storage space.

To make things even easier for packing at home and then unpacking in your Stateroom I always suggest Packing Cubes

Once you have tried packing cubes you will wonder what you ever did without them!

On the Disney Dream and Fantasy, you will find a coffee table that has a hinged lid and storage space inside.

The only thing that you have to do is make sure you remember that you put things in there! It can be easy to miss this when you are packing to get off the ship.

There is also a large desk and a small backless stool that fits underneath the desk. There are shelves and cupboards on either side of the desk to provide plenty of storage.

Always remember to look in the Stateroom desk drawer. This is where you will find the cards to leave out for your Room Service Breakfast Order.

You will also find Disney Cruise Postcards and other stationery for you to use on the cruise or take home with you.

I always use the desk space for charging the many electronic devices we have. Lots of sites tell you to bring power strips on a cruise as there aren’t many outlets.

However, power strips are prohibited on a Disney cruise . If you try and bring one on board with a surge protector it will be confiscated.

To get over the problem of not enough outlets I bring this 6 Port USB Rapid Desktop Charging Station. It’s small and easy to pack but it will charge up to 6 devices.

You will find an electronic safe located in the closet in the corridor. It is useful as it will hold important documents such as your passport and small valuables. Unfortunately, it will not hold a laptop.

There is a hairdryer provided. It will be located in one of the desk drawers. There is nothing wrong with it, but a lot of guests bring their own.

Every Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy stateroom has its own adjustable thermostat.

You will also find a desk phone . For those of you who have sailed with Disney before you may remember the wave phones. These are no longer in the staterooms – but if you want one then early in 2022 you could still check them out of guest services.

Every Disney Cruise Stateroom has a flat-screen television. It is mounted on the wall on a moveable arm so you can angle it for the best view.

The Disney Dream stateroom television has a number of channels including of course Disney Channel.

The great thing about it is that it has television on-demand with a large selection of Disney-owned movies.

Some people miss the fact that the shows which are staged in the Walt Disney Theatre are also shown on television.

If you miss a show or want to see it again, you can watch it on the television.

Another great feature is the live map which shows you where you are and the speed the ship is sailing.

Most of the Disney Dream staterooms have a very thick privacy curtain. This is very useful as it separates the living area from the sleeping area.

This is great as the living area converts to a sleeping area. So the curtain gives you privacy when sharing.

One of the features that Disney Cruise lines is known for is the split bathroom . What is this? Instead of one room, there are two spaces for the bathroom.

One room has a toilet and a sink. The other has a small bathtub with a shower and an additional sink.

The split bathroom idea is brilliant as it helps with the morning rush where everyone wants to use the bathroom at the same time!

One of the most talked-about features of all Disney Dream staterooms is the complimentary H20 Shampoo, Conditioner, Soap, and Body Lotion. These are really high-quality products which are supplied for your use.

It was great when you got the small bottles and your Room Steward would leave more every morning and night.

However, those days are over! Now you have large bottles which are refillable.

This is to help cut down on the waste of individual bottles. Also most likely to stop so many of the individual bottles walking off the ship!

If you want to take some of the H2O products home with you then you can buy them in the Disney Cruise Store on board. Or you can Order Them at Home to Save Money

Have you ever stayed in a Disney Dream Secret Stateroom?

Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando.  In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.

Disney Cruise Line in a Jiffy: What is a Magical Porthole?

Some Disney Cruise Line staterooms include a Magic Porthole. Magic Portholes, variations of which may be called virtual portholes on other cruise lines, are essentially computer screens fashioned to look like a window. On DCL, you can find Magic Portholes on most inside staterooms on the Dream and the Fantasy. Disney’s other ships do not include this feature.

Found in inside staterooms, those with no real porthole or window looking to the outside world, the Magic Porthole provides an illusion that you are seeing outside. For some guests, this can help ease a sense of claustrophobia they might otherwise have when staying in an inside cabin. The default view “out” the Magic Porthole is a view from the outside the ship, at approximately the location you would see if your room did have a window. Adding to the magic, periodically you might see that view enhanced by animation, such as a Disney character waving to you. Some guests are so enamored of the Magic Porthole animations that they prefer inside staterooms to larger cabins with actual portholes. (Click photos to enlarge.)

Don’t worry if Magic Portholes aren’t your thing. You can turn it off at any time to darken the room or just to have a break from the view.

Disney Cruise Line in a Jiffy is an offshoot of our “ Disney in a Minute ” posts. Both are bite-sized nuggets of information that can better help you understand a Disney term or planning topic, but here we’ll be focused on all thing Disney Cruise Line (DCL). Have a question about a DCL term that is unfamiliar to you? Suggest it here for an upcoming segment.

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Erin Foster

Erin Foster is an original member of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel (now PlanDisney), a regular contributor to TouringPlans.com, and co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line. She's been to WDW, DL, DL Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Aulani, DVC Vero Beach, and DVC Hilton Head. She's a Platinum DCL cruiser and veteran of 10 Adventures by Disney trips. Erin lives near New York City, where she can often be found indulging in her other obsession - Broadway theater.

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EVERY Stateroom Option on the Disney Magic Cruise Ship

By Lisa Gilmore Leave a Comment

The Disney Magic was the first official Disney Cruise Line ship to set sail.

The Disney Magic

The Magic set a lot of trends, broke a ton of cruising barriers and stereotypes, and is still one of the most magical cruises to have ever sailed the seas!

We’re taking a look at ALL of the staterooms onboard the Disney Magic cruise ship . 

Disney Cruise Line staterooms are some of the largest in the industry.  This will be your home away from home for 3-7+ days, so be sure to explore the features of the different stateroom categories. You may prefer an inside cabin or one with a verandah. If luxury is your style, then consider the concierge level for your magical Disney voyage.

Disney Magic Atrium

Let’s look at some of the facts and figures of the Disney Magic :

• The Magic is Disney’s first Cruise Line ship, which set sail on its maiden voyage on June 30, 1998
• It is 984 ft long (the same height if you laid the Eiffel Tower on its side!)
• It is 171.5 ft tall (almost as tall as the Leaning Tower of Pisa!)
• Holds 2,713 passengers
• 10 stateroom categories
• 262 inside staterooms (30%)
• 229 oceanview staterooms
• 384 staterooms with a verandah (including 22 suites)

Disney Magic

There are four main categories of staterooms, and all of the rooms fall within one of those categories: Concierge , Verandah , Oceanview , and Inside . Let’s take a look at each category, starting with the least expensive and working our way up!

Inside Staterooms

The base accommodations are Inside Staterooms, which feature a classic nautical motif, porthole mirror, and no exterior view.

Deluxe Inside Stateroom (Category 10A-C)

• Sleeps: 3 or 4
• Size: 214 sq. ft.
• View: No exterior view

Toilet and sink — Split bathroom

These are all inside staterooms, but this is considered the “deluxe” choice. At 214 sq. ft., these staterooms sleep 3 to 4. Each room contains one queen bed (or two twin beds), a single convertible sofa, and a split-bathroom design.

Standard Inside Stateroom (Category 11A-C)

• Size: 184 sq. ft.

These categories represent the least expensive staterooms on the ship and are also the smallest staterooms. Besides size, the major difference between this category and other categories on this ship is that these staterooms do not have the split-bathroom design of the others.

Oceanview Staterooms

These staterooms provide more space than Standard staterooms and 0ffer scenic vistas through a real porthole window—or possibly 2!

Disney Magic Stateroom

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom (Category 9A-D)

• View: One large porthole window or 2 small porthole windows

These staterooms are considered deluxe oceanview staterooms (meaning they have a large porthole window.) The category 9 staterooms located on deck 1 have two smaller porthole windows. At 214 sq. ft., these staterooms sleep 3 (with some sleeping 4), and they are among the first categories to book on the ship.

Verandah Staterooms

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom With Navigators Verandah (Category 7A)

• Size: 268 sq. ft. including verandah
• View: Private verandah

There is little noticeable difference between other verandah staterooms. The biggest one to point out is the actual verandah. While it is the same size, it is enclosed with a very large, open-air porthole to look through. So, your views will be limited.

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah (Category 5A-C & 6A)

• Size: 268 sq. ft., including verandah

Oceanview verandah

There is very little difference between these two stateroom classes. For that matter, the only major difference between category 4 verandah staterooms and some of the category 5 rooms is about 30 square feet at the end of the cabin towards the verandah. Category 5 and 6 staterooms will sleep up to four people and have one split bathroom.

Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah (Category 4A-E)

• Size: 304 sq. ft., including verandah

These staterooms are referred to as “Deluxe Family Staterooms.” They will sleep up to five people and contain one bathroom, the shower and toilet area conveniently separated. They are spacious and comfortable, possibly one of the best options for a family that plans to spend equal time in their room and around the ship.

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

The only difference between a category 4 stateroom and a category 5 is about 30 square feet at the end of the cabin, just before the verandah. In this extra space is a twin murphy bed that pulls down from the wall.

Concierge Staterooms

Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah

• Size: 1,029 sq. ft., including verandah

There are two bedrooms (one with queen-size bed; one with two twin beds and two pull-down upper berths), two and a half bathrooms including whirlpool tubs, living room, media library with wall pull-down bed, dining salon, pantry, wet bar, and walk-in closets.

The largest and most luxurious suites of them all. There are two on the ship; one is named after Walt Disney, and the other after his brother Roy Disney.

Concierge 2-Bedroom Suite with Verandah

• Size: 945 sq. ft., including verandah

These staterooms are the second largest on the ship. There are two of them. They have the capacity to sleep up to six people and have a living area with a convertible sofa, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms, including a whirlpool tub, walk-in closets, and a wet bar.

Spacious and cozy, the two bedroom suite offers a distinguished, yet comfortable option for those who desire privacy combined with luxury for their Disney Cruise.

Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah

• Size: 614 sq. ft., including verandah
• Room: 1 bedroom with queen-size bed, living area with double convertible sofa, single wall pull-down bed in some living rooms or bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, walk-in closet, wet bar

Category 3 staterooms are the last category to include concierge service. These are spacious enough to sleep 5 and have 2 bathrooms, which include designer-label toiletries.

Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

This 304-square-foot stateroom is perfect for a family of 5!  Children will love to sleep in the upper berth pull-down bed. The couch is a great place to settle in and watch TV, while someone else can get a little work done at the room’s desk.  If one person wants to head to bed early, a heavy privacy curtain separates the seating area from the sleeping area.

Ultimate Guide To Disney Cruise Line 2023

That’s the breakdown of every stateroom option onboard the Disney Magic. No matter what category you choose, you’re sure to have an amazing vacation with the impeccable service that Disney is known for!

Click HERE to Get Our Free Downloadable Cruise Packing List

What You Need to Know About Disney Cruise Line

Learn all about disney cruise line and its various ships, explore disney’s mega cruise ship – the wish, a full list of what you can’t bring on a disney cruise, these are the best times to book your disney cruise, the best ways to save space in your tiny cruise cabin, 10 things you need on your next cruise (that you won’t think to pack), what it’s like to live on a cruise ship for 6 months, join the dfb newsletter to get all the latest disney news delivered right to your inbox click here to subscribe.

Have you cruised on the Disney Magic? Let us know your Disney Magic story in the comments below!

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Disney Fantasy Staterooms

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Disney Cruise Line Planning Tips & Tricks

LAST UPDATE: 7/17/23

On this page we have collected some useful advice, tips and tricks that can help you save time and money when you are planning a Disney Cruise Line vacation. Jump to:

• Cruise Information & Guidebooks

How to Save Money

• Resort Add-on vs. Booking Disney World Separately
• Tips And Tricks for Picking A Stateroom

Secret Porthole Staterooms

Secret verandah staterooms, secret connecting staterooms, category 8a “mini-suites” and oversized/open plan staterooms, hump suites & concierge staterooms, accommodating larger families, two rooms are (sometimes) better than one, trip insurance, passports and visas.

• Booking Palo/Remy, Excursions, Onboard Activities, Spa Appointments and Kids’ Club Online

Disney Cruise Line Weddings and Vow Renewals

Cruising with a disability.

Other useful Disney Cruise Line information pages:

• For discounts and tips on saving money on the cruise itself , visit our Disney Cruise Discount page.
• For advice that will help you save time and get the most out of your cruise once you are onboard , visit the DCL Onboard Advice page.
• For advice that will help you with excursions, tours and activities  while in port, visit the Tips & Discounts for Port Excursions page.

Planning a Disney Cruise: Information & Guidebooks

When you’re starting to plan a Disney cruise, the very first thing you should do is watch the FREE Disney Cruise Line Vacation Planning Videos ! They’re available to anyone online and have lots of useful info in them.

In addition to viewing the videos, which will give you a good general idea of what the Disney Cruise Line has to offer, you may want to look at a guidebook or two to get more detailed information about it. See our list of suggested guidebooks for cruises and port excursions .

There’s a lot of FREE information about the ships and getting the most from your cruise on this page and the Onboard Advice, Tips and Tricks page here on this site! We also recommend visiting the independent Disney Cruise Line Blog , which has lots of useful information, including scans of menus and daily schedules from recent cruises.

Unlike most of the other cruise lines, Disney is generally very consistent in only moving its prices one direction over time: up! Disney very rarely runs sales, and as the ship fills they will raise the price of the remaining rooms. Some very popular cruises (usually unique and new itineraries in popular destinations like Europe) can go up in price on the first day of booking! The bottom line is that booking as early as possible is the surest way to save money on a Disney cruise. Occasionally Disney will run a sale at the last minute, but you can’t be sure any particular sailing will have a sale.

Booking way ahead allows you to grab the best staterooms and have a better chance of getting the first seating at dinner (important to many families with young children). Especially for the most popular times of year (spring break, summer and Christmas, and to a lesser extent other holidays like Thanksgiving), you would be well advised to book as early as you can, because those cruises often sell out and rates for those dates will just go up and up. In the rare case the fare drops after you book, Disney is very good about adjusting it. You or your travel agent just need to call and ask for the lower rate.

Keep in mind that your  Disney cruise deposit is fully refundable up to the payment-in-full date (75 days before sailing for most 3-4 day cruises, 90 days for most 7 day cruises, longer for holiday cruises, cruises from non-US ports and for concierge-class bookings). If you think you might want to take a cruise next year (or the year after), you’d do well to get it booked right away if you can. Then you can take some time to research and plan. If later you decide it’s not going to work, cancel and get your money back. Or if you need to change the date, you can easily ask Disney or your travel agent to change it. But if you do end up taking the cruise, you’ll be happy you got it booked before the prices went up.

Other tips that can save you money:

• Sail in the off-season. The less busy parts of the year (January, early February, May, late August, September, October, and the portions of November and December that are not holiday weeks) have significantly lower fares, and the fares often don’t go up as quickly over time. Sometimes they stay pretty much the same right up until a few months before sailing.
• Keep an eye out for last-minute restricted fares . These fares (sometimes called *GT fares) are generally a very good deal, but they only happen on sailings that aren’t filling at the regular prices. They usually release them after the payment-in-full date for the cruise has passed, so you start to see them at about 1-2 months away from sailing. They often are for a very limited number of rooms, and sometimes they come and go very quickly, so if you see one for a cruise you can take, definitely pounce while you can. You can read more about these restrictions and see the current list of discounted cruises on our Disney Cruise Line Discounts & Deals page .
• Be sure to take advantage of any onboard credits that may be available. There are plenty of other specialized deals and offers for the Disney Cruise Line, too. Be sure to check and see if you qualify for any of the deals listed below.
• Save up to $1000 right off the top by using the right travel agent (in addition to any other savings). We highly recommend booking all Disney cruises through a Disney Specialist travel agent . It costs you nothing and they do all the work for you!
• Don’t buy more cabin than you need . Read our guide to picking a stateroom  for our picks for the best values in each category.
• If you can only afford an inside cabin, be sure to learn more about secret porthole rooms !
• If you will be traveling with a family of 5 or more , be sure to read about a useful tip that could save you a bundle.
• If you’re willing to take your chances, learn how you might be able to buy a cheaper cabin and score an upgrade (either free or discounted).
• get a good deal on a hotel for the night before your cruise
• find the best prices for transportation from the airport or your hotel to the cruise terminal
• save on trip insurance

Resort Add-On vs. Booking Disney World Separately

If you are considering a Resort Add-on to your cruise, which adds a stay at Walt Disney World onto your Disney cruise, keep in mind that it is almost always a better option to book the two separately.

Basically the only advantage of the Resort Add-on is convenience. With the Resort Add-on, you only check in once. When you arrive at the hotel, you are given your “Key to the World” card for the cruise, but you use your MagicBand (or Disney World RFID ticket) for everything else. That’s nice, but may not be worth hundreds of dollars to you. That’s right, sometimes you can save that much by booking a discounted room separately, and/or buying discounted tickets with the features you want, instead of what Disney dictates.

With the Resort Add-on, you can only add a full-price resort stay in a standard room before or after your cruise. You cannot :

• book anything other than a standard room (no themed or view rooms, or suites);
• get a discount on your hotel room;
• add tickets other than full-price 1-day to 5-day tickets with the Park Hopper option (no Base Tickets  or  Park Hopper Plus options are available); or
• add a Dining Plan at all (you’d have to book a separate vacation package to get a Dining Plan).

Given the total lack of flexibility and the fact that you can’t get any sort of discount, we really don’t recommend booking a Resort Add-on.

By the way, if you’re debating whether to visit Walt Disney World before or after your cruise: go before the cruise. Disney World is fun, but exhausting. If you do the cruise after your Disney World visit, you’ll have a chance to relax and you can return home rested.

Tips And Tricks For Picking A Stateroom

Disney Cruise Line has several different categories of staterooms with somewhat confusing names and descriptions. Here’s an overview of the various types and the key differences between them, with some notes on our picks for the best value.

How Important is Stateroom Location?

There are two “classic” rules of thumb about stateroom location: higher on the ship is better and closer to the center of the ship is better. In our experience, those rules of thumb are not actually very helpful.

The center of the ship does have a bit less motion when the ship is tipping forward and back in higher seas, since you’re closer to the center of the see-saw, so to speak. But big cruise ships do not as a general rule have a huge amount of motion, at least compared to smaller boats you might be used to. And even if you experience somewhat less motion in a stateroom closer to the center, during your cruise you will be roaming all over the ship to eat, watch shows and participate in activities, so one way or another you will spend a fair amount of time on the far ends of the ship. For much of the time you’re in your room, you’ll be sleeping, and research suggests that people are least bothered by motion when they are lying down. Bottom line: in our experience, most of the time the motion is going to be very minor no matter where you are on the ship. If there are rougher waters you will notice at least a little motion, but your cabin location is not going to be the most important factor in how much the motion bothers you.

Similarly, being higher on the ship doesn’t hugely improve your views or experience. You get a slightly better view from a verandah on deck 8 than on deck 5, but only slightly. In the few cases where you’d like a view from as high as possible (in port, usually), you’ll want to go up to the top deck for the best view anyway. Everything on the ship is a quick elevator ride away no matter which deck you are on.

One thing that can bother some people is vibration from the engines or electric motors. The ship has huge diesel generators on the lowest decks, and the main electric propulsion motors are in the rear, so in general, you will feel more vibration lower on the ship and closer to the rear. But you might feel at least some vibration almost anywhere on the ship. We’ve been on the lowest passenger deck, and certainly noticed mild vibration, but it hasn’t really bothered us. If you’re on a low deck in the front or rear of the ship, you might notice the sound and vibration of the lateral thrusters during early-morning docking, but that doesn’t last long under normal circumstances.

Noise from the area above, below and around your stateroom can be an issue , especially if you are a light sleeper or sensitive to sound. You should definitely take a look at what is located on the deck just above or just below your stateroom. If you are just underneath the pool deck, you may find yourself awakened very early in the morning by crew sliding deck chairs around as they prepare the pool area for the day. If you are on a lower deck just above or below a nightclub, you may find the thumping bass makes it hard to nod off in the evening. If your room is near the elevators you may hear a bit more noise from people coming and going. We have had rooms that had noise leakage, and it’s not the end of the world, but it can affect some people more than others, so consider what will bother you and what you can ignore.

As a very broad generalization, we prefer to get staterooms in the middle decks, sandwiched between two other decks with staterooms, or above or below an area that isn’t in use early in the morning or late at night. We don’t really worry about being central; if the ends are cheaper and have the room types we like, we book a room on the ends. We often try to get rooms towards the front or back that are just under or over the spa or the main dining rooms, as they don’t typically have a lot of noise in the morning and evening. But if it’s the only good room available, we’re fine with being smack-dab under the pool deck; we pack a set of earplugs just in case.

Category Numbers And Letters

All rooms are designated with a category number and letter, like “4A” or “10C.” The category number tells you the basic type of room, 1 being the fanciest concierge room and 11 being the smallest and least expensive regular room. Lower numbers typically have more amenities and features, like windows or verandahs, or may be bigger than higher-numbered categories.

• Categories 1, 2 & 3 are concierge staterooms, which come with extra perks like access to a special lounge and priority access to excursions and events.
• Categories 4, 5, 6 and 7 are verandah staterooms, which have a small private deck on the outside of the ship where you can get some fresh air and watch the ocean go by.
• Categories 8 and 9 are oceanview staterooms which have one or two portholes, which don’t open.
• Categories 10 and 11 are inside staterooms, which have no windows at all.

Within a category number, most staterooms are pretty much identical (with some exceptions mentioned below), with the letters indicating primarily how attractive the location is (according to Disney), with ‘A’ being the best. We generally recommend getting the C, D or E staterooms to save yourself some money, because the higher-lettered staterooms really aren’t significantly better. But there are a few exceptions; read on for more.

It seems like there are lots of rooms with lots of different layouts, but in reality the vast majority of regular non-concierge rooms fall into three basic interior sizes (not counting the verandah, if any). Disney doesn’t break out the size of the interior area of verandah rooms, so the verandah sizes are estimates based on measurements of room layouts and physical comparison of rooms.

Small : category 11, which are approximately 184 sq. ft. on Magic/Wonder and 169 sq. ft. on Dream/Fantasy/Wish. All sleep at least 3; some sleep 4. The space reduction relative to the next bigger size comes from not having a split bathroom and losing some of the open space in the middle of the room.

Regular : category 10, 9, 7, 6, 5 and Dream/Fantasy/Wish 4E, which have an interior area of approximately 215 sq. ft. on the Magic/Wonder, 205 sq. ft. on Dream/Fantasy, and 218 sq. ft. on Wish. All sleep at least 3; some sleep 4. Category 9 rooms have portholes with a view of the water. Category 7, 6, 5 and Dream/Fantasy 4E rooms have verandahs which vary in size, but are typically about 30-40 additional sq. ft.

Large : category 8 and 4 (except for Dream/Fantasy/Wish 4E), which have an interior area of approximately 245 sq. ft. on Magic/Wonder and 235-240 sq. ft. on Dream/Fantasy/Wish. All sleep at least 4; some sleep 5. These rooms are the same width as the regular-sized rooms, but are deeper, which makes room for an extra pull-down single bed in the ones that sleep 5. Category 8 rooms have one or two portholes with a view of the water. Category 8A rooms are extra-large, but Disney doesn’t give a specific size; we guess that they’re about 320 sq. ft. Category 4 rooms have a verandah, which varies in size, but is typically about 30-40 additional sq. ft.

Certain handicapped-accessible staterooms are also larger, but that’s mostly in the form of empty space to allow a wheelchair to move around. The accessible rooms also typically have a non-split bath (again to allow for a wheelchair) with a variety of different shower/bath combinations to deal with different kinds of physical issues.

Beyond that are the concierge rooms, some of which are larger and are covered more below. But realistically, there isn’t a lot of difference in the actual living space and amenities between a category 10 inside and a category 5 verandah, for example. The rest of the differentiation in category is all about the porthole or verandah, the location on the ship, and small differences in verandah or porthole views, which we’ll go over below.

Inside Staterooms

Inside staterooms have no windows or verandahs, and thus no natural light. They turn pitch black when the lights are off (night or day), which can be a plus or a minus, depending on whether you like sleeping in absolute darkness. The darkness can be a problem if you’re trying to maneuver around at night without waking up the rest of the family; we recommend bringing a small flashlight or nightlight if you book one of these rooms. These rooms are a good value for folks that don’t need a view and don’t plan to spend much time in their room. You get the same food, activities and entertainment as everyone else for much less money, and a view of the ocean is just a short elevator ride away at all times.

On the Dream & Fantasy (but not the Wish), all inside staterooms have Disney’s “virtual porthole” which is a screen with a porthole-shaped frame over it that shows you roughly the view you’d see if there wasn’t a whole bunch of ship in the way. There are four cameras mounted on the ship pointing in the four main directions (fore, aft, port and starboard) and each virtual porthole shows a view in the “correct” direction, given the wall it’s mounted on. The virtual portholes also show some “surprise” Disney characters floating or flying by about every 30 minutes, which is a nice touch. The portholes can be turned on and off. If you leave them on at night, they provide some glow (even though the view is typically black, there’s some residual light from the screen). For some people, it’s still too much light to sleep with, so if you’ve never experienced one it might be good to bring a flashlight or headlamp just in case.

11A, 11B, 11C – These are typically the cheapest rooms available. They are smaller than other staterooms, and they don’t have a split bathroom. All sleep at least 3 and some sleep 4. The A, B, C designation is purely Disney’s assessment of how attractive the location is, with A’s being located on upper decks or closer to midship and C’s being located on lower decks. The actual amenities are identical. 

10A, 10B, 10C – These are larger than the category 11’s, though mostly that’s just open space; they have the same basic furniture. They have a split bathroom, with one half containing a sink and shower and the other half containing a sink and toilet, each with its own door to the room. All sleep at least 3 and some sleep 4. The A, B, C designation is purely Disney’s assessment of how attractive the location is, with A’s being located on upper decks or closer to midship and C’s being located on lower decks. The actual amenities are identical. Frankly we don’t see enough value in these over the 11’s, though the split bath is definitely a convenience and speeds up getting ready in the morning. These rooms are not available on the Disney Wish.

Best bets for inside staterooms:

• If you want to experience a Disney cruise at the lowest possible price, 11C staterooms are hard to beat. They feel a little cramped, but honestly so do the category 10’s.  
• If you want the slightly larger space and split bath of a category 10, the 10C’s are generally the best deal, but check what’s above them to make sure it’s not going to be a noise problem.
• If you can’t get the category letter we recommend, try for the next letter in the same category  (i.e. if you can’t get a 11C, try for a 11B. If those are sold out, get a 11A, etc.). If the whole category number is sold out, check our recommendations before booking the next higher number.

Oceanview Staterooms

Oceanview staterooms have a porthole window that has a view of the ocean, as the name implies. This means you get natural light coming in, which can make the room feel brighter and cheerier, but can also make it harder to sleep past sunrise. The curtains do shut out most of the light, but some can find its way in. If you like a very dark room, we suggest bringing some clothespins to keep the curtains shut or pack a sleep mask.

9A, 9B, 9C, 9D – These are the same size as the category 10’s, and have roughly the same layout and features, but have a porthole in one wall. All sleep at least 3 and some sleep 4. The A, B, C, D designation is partially about Disney’s assessment of how attractive the location is, but is also about the view.

• On the Magic and Wonder, the 9D rooms on deck 1 have two small portholes instead of one large porthole , which reduces the view somewhat, but lets in a fair amount of light.
• On the Dream, Fantasy and Wish, the 9C and 9D staterooms are on the front of the ship and mostly have obstructed views . Because the wall with the porthole is slanted, you can’t necessarily see out very well. They still let in plenty of light.
• The 9D’s on all ships and 9C’s on the Dream/Fantasy/Wish are a great value if you mostly care about light rather than views.

8A, 8B, 8C, 8D – These stateroom categories are only available on the Dream, Fantasy and Wish (the Wish only has 8B & 8C). They are larger than a category 9 or 10, and all of them sleep at least 4, with some sleeping 5. The ones on the Dream & Fantasy all have at least one ultra-large porthole with a built-in seat, large enough for a child or small adult to relax in and watch the scenery go by. We don’t know yet whether the Wish version will have the porthole seat, but it’s not looking likely. These porthole seats are very appealing to kids, in our experience. The 8A rooms are oversized and have unusual layouts ( we have more details and a video below ). The B, C and D rooms are essentially identical with B’s located highest on the ship and D’s located lowest.

Best bets for oceanview staterooms:

• On the Dream, Fantasy and Wish we like the 9B’s on deck 2. They are not underneath anything loud and are the best value in a traditional oceanview room.
• On the Magic and Wonder the aft 9C’s are a similarly good deal . If you are noise-averse, avoid the forward 9C’s on the Magic/Wonder, as they are underneath the nightclub area and might have excess noise until midnight or so.
• If you don’t actually have 5 people in your party, there’s not a lot of reason to book a category 8 over a category 9 , though the porthole seats on the Dream & Fantasy are pretty nifty.
• For folks who need or want the extra room on the Dream/Fantasy/Wish, the 8C’s on deck 6 are the best deal in category 8.  
• If you can’t get the category letter we recommend, try for the next letter in the same category (i.e. if you can’t get a 9C, try for a 9B. If those are sold out, get a 9A, etc.). If the whole category number is sold out, check our recommendations before booking the next higher number.

Verandah Staterooms

Verandah staterooms have a small private outer deck, usually with two chairs and a small low table. Most have a clear plexiglas railing, allowing you to see a mostly unobstructed view of the ocean while seated. Some (mentioned below) have a solid white railing, a half-height white railing, a solid wall with a large hole, or a partial obstruction from something else on the ship. The one thing they have in common is that you can go outside and enjoy the fresh air and some kind of view. Like oceanview rooms, they can have light leakage if you don’t get the curtains closed completely. If you like a very dark room, we suggest bringing some clothespins to keep the curtains shut or pack a sleep mask.

7A – This category has gone through many names over the years, but is now just lumped in with all the other verandah room types, with a note about how 7A’s have limited views. The rooms on the Magic & Wonder with the most severe view limitations have a “navigator’s verandah,” which is an almost fully enclosed deck. A navigator’s verandah has a full floor-to-ceiling solid steel exterior wall with a large round hole in the upper half, through which you can see the ocean if you’re standing up. Not every room actually has that kind of verandah; many of them are just regular verandahs with a partially-obstructed view. All sleep at least 3 and some sleep 4. In either case they are identical in interior room size and amenities to a category 5 or 6.

• On the Magic and Wonder, almost all 7A’s have navigator’s verandahs  ( with a few exceptions that have a regular verandah ). You can’t really see the ocean or the horizon while sitting down in a navigator’s verandah, but you can get fresh air and sunlight, and if you are standing up your view is just as good as any other verandah room. The four “ secret verandah ” rooms are a great value, but we think the other Magic/Wonder navigator’s verandahs don’t provide much value over an oceanview, unless you need fresh air to avoid feeling claustrophobic.
• On the Dream, Fantasy and Wish, almost all 7A’s have regular verandahs with a partially obstructed view , typically from an exterior steel wall intruding on the view somewhat (the exceptions are a two rooms on the Dream & Fantasy with a tiny, but unobstructed, verandah and two rooms on the Wish with a slightly smaller verandah and no obstruction). Read more about this category on the Dream, Fantasy & Wish and our rankings of the amount of view obstructed . These are without a doubt the very best value in the verandah category on the Dream, Fantasy and Wish. Even the Dream, Fantasy or Wish 7A with the most obstructed view has a much better view than any oceanview room, and most are better than a category 6, in our opinion.

6A, 6B – These rooms are essentially identical to category 5 and 7 rooms in terms of interior room size and amenities, but have somewhat obstructed verandahs. All sleep at least 3 and some sleep 4. They are located toward the back of the ship on the upper decks.

• On the Magic and Wonder, category 6 cabins have a full “white wall” railing. The entire railing is a steel wall. This isn’t as obstructive as a navigator’s verandah, but it does block your view of the ocean when sitting down, so practically speaking it’s very similar. One thing to consider is that many of these have a verandah that sticks out a bit further than the decks above, giving people standing above you on the back of the ship a view of part of your verandah. All of them have portions of the verandah that are not visible from above.
• On the Dream, Fantasy & Wish, the white wall only comes about halfway up the railing , with the rest of the railing the usual plexiglas. You may be able to see the ocean while seated, depending on how tall you are and how close you sit to the railing. Some people love these as a slightly cheaper alternative to a category 5, but we feel like the loss of view makes them about equal to a category 7, so we prefer the less-expensive category 7 if they are both available.

5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 4E* (*Dream, Fantasy, & Wish version only) – These rooms are essentially identical in terms of interior room size and amenities to category 6 and 7 rooms, but have an unobstructed verandah (except the Dream/Fantasy/Wish 4E, which is a special case). All sleep at least 3 and some sleep 4. These are the most numerous of the regular-sized verandah cabins and the most commonly-booked verandahs for families of 4 or fewer. Category 5A-D are just on different decks, with 5A’s highest and 5D’s lowest.

• The Dream, Fantasy & Wish 4E’s on decks 6-10 are aft staterooms with a view of the wake , which have basically the same interior space and layout as a 5, but a larger verandah. Some people love these aft 4E cabins, as the wake is very pretty in the moonlight, and you don’t tend to get much wind. They have the same half-wall railing as the category 6’s, making them (to us) inferior to the category 7, unless the rear view makes you happy.
• The Dream & Fantasy 4E’s on deck 5 port & starboard have the same interior space as a category 5 , sleep 3 or 4 people (instead of the usual 4 or 5 you get with a category 4) and were originally categorized as 5E’s. They were upgraded to category 4 because of their large extended balconies. This is nice if you want to spread out, or get more sun. It also means people above you have a view of the extended part of your deck that pokes out further from the side of the ship. As with the aft decks, you can certainly stay in the covered section if you prefer more privacy. 

4A, 4B, 4C, 4E* (*Magic/Wonder version only) – These rooms are the largest non-concierge verandah rooms on the ship. All sleep at least 4 and some sleep 5. These cabins are the only single-room option for a family of 5 on the Magic and Wonder, and the most commonly booked option for families of 5 on the Dream and Fantasy. The category 4’s have a bit more open floor space than a category 5, but unless you need a room for 5 people, there’s no real reason to book one of these over a category 5; the amenities are identical and the difference in space is pretty trivial. The letter A-E is primarily about the location, with central and higher rooms in a pricier category.

• Category 4E’s on the Magic and Wonder have a full white-wall railing , just like the category 6A’s, but are otherwise identical to other category 4’s.

Best bets for verandah staterooms:

• There’s no good reason to pay extra for a category 4; the extra space is minimal and the amenities are identical.
• The 7A’s are a great deal, especially on the Dream, Fantasy & Wish , where they are normal verandah cabins with slightly obstructed views. The handful of partially obstructed 7A cabins on the Magic & Wonder are also a great deal if you can get them, and the “navigator verandah” 7A’s on Magic & Wonder are fine if you just want fresh air and light.
• We would only book a category 6 if the 7A’s are all sold out. That said, if the 7A’s are sold out, or you can only get the “navigator’s verandah” style and you don’t like them, category 6 rooms are a fine alternative.
• If you can’t get or don’t like category 6 or 7 , the 5C’s are, in our view, the best value on all 5 ships.
• The Wish 5Cs on deck 6 have ship equipment, lifeboats or a bumped-out deck just below their verandah which intrudes on the view of the ocean slightly; we would recommend trying to get deck 7 5C’s if possible.
• For a family of 5 on the Magic & Wonder, the 4E’s are the best single-room deal . Though if you want an unobstructed view of the ocean, move up to a 4B or higher.
• For a family of 5 on the Dream, Fantasy & Wish, the 4C’s are the best single-room deal.
• The Wish 4C’s on deck 6 that are not bumped out have lifeboats, ship equipment or a bumped-out deck just below their verandah , which intrudes on the view of the ocean slightly. We would recommend trying to get the bumped out 4C’s or deck 7 4C’s if possible. The bumped out ones are obvious on the deck plan – for example, 6074 is bumped out, but 6100 is not.
• Be sure to compare the cost of a single 5-person stateroom to a pair of staterooms , one with 2 guests and one with 3 guests. It’s usually not much more money, and occasionally it’s actually cheaper! 
• If you can’t get the category letter we recommend, try for the next letter in the same category (i.e. if you can’t get a 5C, try for a 5B. If those are sold out, get a 5A, etc.). If the whole category number is sold out, check our recommendations before booking the next higher number.

Concierge Staterooms

Concierge categories get you access to dedicated concierge staff, both before the cruise and during . As a concierge passenger, you get priority for booking any shore excursion or specialty restaurant, even prior to people who have Platinum status in the Castaway Club. Concierge passengers get priority for embarking and disembarking, as well as priority tendering in ports that require it (though keep in mind Disney visits very few ports that require tendering – Grand Cayman is the only one Disney goes to regularly). Concierge guests can use a private concierge lounge with some free food and drink available at all times, as well as a private sun deck. The rooms themselves are in some cases larger than non-concierge, but not always. All concierge guests get robes in their room, plus some extra products in their bathroom. The concierge staff will also leave special gifts in your room every day, ranging from a nice fruit plate to a limited-edition lithograph.

Whether concierge is worth the extra money is an entirely personal decision . The lounges are very nice and have a good selection of snacks and drinks available all the time, plus concierge staff ready to help you with anything you need. The rooms themselves are quite plush, especially the 1-bedroom and larger ones. The price for concierge used to be a relatively moderate upcharge, but lately a concierge room costs at least double what a similar non-concierge room costs, and often more. If you want to splurge, it’s certainly the way to go, but it’s not in our opinion twice as good an overall experience as staying in a normal verandah room. Mostly it’s about saving time and being less stressed out, because the concierge staff are there to sort out pretty much any request or problem you might have. Want a table for 2? No problem. Want to book a meeting with Anna and Elsa? No problem. Need a Remy reservation? It’s done. Most of these things are available to anyone, concierge or not, but non-concierge guests may have to wait in line or on hold for Guest Services, and concierge staff get priority for certain special events like popular meet-and-greets. You and your kids will still have to wait in line for Mickey or Cinderella; you don’t get priority for everything .

3B (Wish) – These are oceanview concierge staterooms, found only on the Wish. They have no verandah, but they do have floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views, and they’re very large (357 sq. ft.). They’re all on the front of the ship on deck 11, facing forward. All of them sleep 4, and some sleep 5. They have all the same amenities and privileges as any other concierge stateroom.

3A & 3B (Dream, Fantasy, Magic & Wonder) – These are basically just large verandah rooms, essentially identical in size to a category 4, and all of them sleep 5. The decor is slightly different from the category 4’s, with fancier woods and so forth, but otherwise they’re basically the same. 

2A & 2B  – These are 1-bedroom staterooms. They all sleep 5. They are very plush and about the size of two category 4 staterooms. They have an extra half-bath off the living room area, a much larger TV in the living room, and a very nice sitting area with a nice-sized table suitable for having dinner in your room. The bedroom can be closed off from the living room area with sliding doors, giving the adult guests some extra privacy. The 2A vs. 2B designation is mostly about location. The 2A’s on the Magic & Wonder are laid out slightly differently and have a longer verandah. The single 2A on the Dream & Fantasy is on the front center of the ship and is sandwiched between the two connecting Royal suites. On the Disney Wish, the 2A’s are on deck 12 and have somewhat deeper verandahs compared to the 2B suites on deck 13.

1C  – These are 2-bedroom Royal suites, found only on the Disney Wish, called “1-Story Royal Suites with Verandah.” One of the two suites is accessible. Sleeps up to 6. They have a large living area and dining room, three full bathrooms, and a pantry and wet bar. There is a large private verandah with a whirlpool tub.

1B (Dream, Fantasy, Magic & Wonder)  – These are 2-bedroom staterooms, only found on the Magic and Wonder (though on the Dream/Fantasy you can get a connected 3A and 2A that forms a basically equivalent space). They sleep up to 7. They have two full bedrooms, each with its own bath. There is a nice sitting area and a full dining area with large table for 6.

1B (Wish) – These are 2-bedroom, 2-story Royal Suites. They stretch across two decks (12 and 13), with a spiral staircase to take you between the two levels. They sleep 6, and have two large bedrooms, three full bathrooms, a large dining and living area and two large verandahs with a private hot tub.

1A (Dream, Fantasy, Magic & Wonder) – These are the fanciest Royal suites and are priced accordingly. They sleep 7 on the Magic/Wonder and 5 on the Dream/Fantasy. The decor in these suites is luxurious and tasteful. The living area is huge with a formal dining table and sitting area, and they have a massive verandah (with a private hot tub on the Dream/Fantasy). 

1A (Wish) – This is the very exclusive, very pricey Wish Tower Suite on deck 14 & 15 in the forward stack on the ship. This is by far the most deluxe cruise stateroom Disney has ever created. There is a large living and dining area, two main bedrooms, a child’s room with two bunk beds, and a library that can be turned into a bedroom for two more. There are four full bathrooms and a half-bath off the living room. Total capacity is 8 guests. There is no verandah, but there are floor-to-ceiling windows on both decks, providing what is clearly the best stateroom view on the ship.

Best bets for concierge staterooms:

• None of these staterooms are really justifiable from a value standpoint. The current price premiums required to book them are eye-poppingly high.
• If you want extra space and a feeling of luxury, the category 2 and above have lots of extra room and amenities and feel super posh. The standard category 3 concierge verandah rooms really don’t feel much different from a category 4. The 3B Concierge Oceanviews on the Wish, though, are unique and might be a great option for someone who wants more space and doesn’t care about a verandah.
• If you primarily want access to the concierge lounge and the priority for booking cabanas and so forth, get any concierge room available; they all have equal access to all concierge services.

Want an oceanview stateroom at an inside cabin price? Book a “secret porthole” stateroom!

There are six staterooms on Deck 5 and two staterooms on Deck 6 of the Magic and the Wonder (but not on the Dream, Fantasy or Wish) that are sold as Category 10 inside staterooms, but actually are oceanview cabins with obstructed view portholes. By selecting one of these cabins, you will get some natural light and a bit of a view, while paying the lower price for an inside stateroom!

The obstruction is caused by equipment (mostly canisters that hold inflatable life rafts) in front of the portholes, and the amount by which these portholes is obstructed varies. You can typically see some ocean and some sky, but not a lot of either. Also, be aware that there may be a light on all night outside the porthole, so you’ll have to close your curtains tightly to keep it dark in the cabin.

The Secret Porthole staterooms on deck 5 are conveniently located near the kids’ activity centers, Flounder’s Reef Nursery and the Buena Vista Theater. There are relatively few passenger staterooms on this deck, so there is less potential for foot traffic and noise. (The majority of Category 10 staterooms without secret portholes can be found on lower decks and may be located under the adult nightclubs with dance floors and live bands.)

Of the eight Secret Porthole rooms, there are two pairs of connecting staterooms. For families of 5, this is an affordable alternative to booking a more pricey Category 4. We have more suggestions below about accommodating larger families on a Disney cruise .

Word has gotten out about these staterooms, so you’ll have to book well in advance to snag one.

• The cabins to request are 6006, 6506, 5020, 5520, 5022 and 5024 (connecting), 5522 and 5524 (connecting).
• 6006, 6506 have the least obstructed view; you can see the ocean clearly but the sky is mostly blocked. 5020 and 5520 have slightly more obstructions that block a fair amount of sea and sky. 5022 and 5522 are even more obstructed. 5024 and 5524 have the most obstructed view.

The “secret” here is getting a standard verandah for the price of a “navigator’s verandah.” In the best case you’re getting a rooms pretty much equivalent to a category 5, but are paying for a category 7. That can be a significant savings.

Magic & Wonder

While not as big an upgrade as the secret porthole staterooms , the secret verandah staterooms on Disney’s Magic and Wonder cruise ships give you a little more for your money. Basically these are Category 7A staterooms that have a regular verandah (a private, open-air deck accessed from your cabin), instead of the usual Category 7A “navigator’s verandah,” which is a fully enclosed deck with a large porthole.

The secret verandah staterooms were originally sold as Category 6, but were recategorized to Category 7A after Disney received complaints because they have a slight obstruction of view. The obstruction is due to their location at the very ends of the ship: an overhang curves around on one side of the verandah, obscuring the view a bit in that direction. Overall, the obsctructed view on these rooms is worlds better than on a regular Navigator’s Verandah. They also have a normal railing rather than the white-wall railing of a Category 6.

Here’s our estimate of the amount of obstruction for each of the “secret verandah” 7A rooms on the Magic & Wonder , with our assessment of most desirable on top to least desirable on the bottom (keeping in mind that a true Navigator’s Verandah obstructs about 80% of the view, so all of them are an upgrade from a regular 7A):

• Minor obstruction (20%-40%): 7120, 7620
• Significant obstruction (40%-60%): 6134, 6634

Dream, Fantasy & Wish

The Dream and Fantasy & Wish don’t actually have any Navigator’s Verandahs. The 7A rooms are the ends of rows of category 5’s and 6’s, and in fact were originally categorized as 5’s and 6’s on the Dream & Fantasy. However, the outer white panels of the ship impinge on the view from the verandahs of these rooms, in some cases to an almost trivial degree. Mostly they have a view that most people would find nearly identical to the higher-category room next door, and almost always far less obstructed than the navigator’s verandahs or white-wall verandahs on the Magic and Wonder, in the sense that they all have Plexiglas railings and you can see the ocean clearly while seated (with the exception of 5024 and 5524, where the obstruction is mostly on the lower half).

In a few cases, a category 7 has a connecting door to the category 5 or 6 stateroom next door , and if you want two connecting verandah staterooms getting this combo can save you some money, by getting (for example) a 5A and 7A instead of two 5A’s. Even if all the officially connecting rooms are booked, you can still book almost any 7A and the adjacent category 5 or 6, have the stateroom attendant open the verandah barrier between the rooms (see the next section for more) and essentially have the equivalent of two category 5 or 6 staterooms for less. Often these will book up fast, but ask a travel agent to see if a suitable pair is available.

On the Dream & Fantasy, there are two unusual “mini-verandah” rooms: 5188 and 5688. These are mirror-image aft-facing rooms on deck 5 with no view obstructions, but very small triangular verandahs. Their verandahs are too small to fit a chair, but do have a built-in bench that two thin people could fit on. They each can connect inside to a handicapped-accessible 9A stateroom next door (5186/5686), but their verandahs do not connect to the verandahs on either side of them.

On the Wish, there are also two slightly different “mini-verandah” 7A rooms: 7194 and 7690 . They’re on the aft port and starboard corners of deck 7. Because of the way the ship curves around, they have a slightly smaller, curved verandah, though not nearly as small as the mini-verandah 7A’s on the Dream & Fantasy. They face port and starboard, rather than aft, though because of the angle they have a pretty decent view aft as well. They have the normal complement of two chairs and a small table.

Here’s our estimate of the amount of obstruction or other issues for each of the 7A rooms on the Dream,   Fantasy & Wish , with our assessment of most desirable on top to least desirable on the bottom:

• Very minor obstruction (20% or less): 8022*, 8164, 8520*, 8662
• Minor obstruction (20%-40%): 7022, 7170*, 7520, 7668*, 9012, 9152*, 9164, 9512, 9652*, 9664
• Significant obstruction (40%-60%): 5024**, 5524**, 6178*, 6678*, 7182, 7680, 8176*, 8674*
• Very small verandah (but no obstruction of view): 5188*, 5688*
• Very minor obstruction (20% or less): 6174, 6674, 9172*, 9672*
• Smaller verandah (but no obstruction of view): 7194, 7690
• Minor obstruction (20%-40%): 8022, 8170*, 8520, 8668*, 9014*, 9160, 9514*, 9660
• Significant obstruction (40%-60%): 7022*, 7174, 7518*, 7670

* – Connects (inside) to adjacent category 5 or 6 stateroom

** – Obstruction across lower half; extended verandah next door both blocks view and provides neighbors clear view into your stateroom from their verandah

A semi-secret stateroom connection exists on all five ships: nearly any two (or more) adjacent verandahs along the straight sides of the ship (and many along the stern) can be connected by folding back the dividing panel. The primary exception is deck 10 on the Dream, Fantasy & Wish, which has some solid steel dividers (roughly every other one) because of structural requirements for the deck above. So about half of the verandah dividers on deck 10 open and half don’t. If it’s important to you to get two rooms with connecting verandahs, either avoid deck 10 or call Disney (or have your travel agent call) and they can tell you if any two specific rooms can connect their verandahs.

There are also a handful of non-connecting verandahs on other decks, on the “corners” of the ship where the space is just too narrow to put an divider that can open. But other than those exceptions, they all open. To connect the verandahs, ask your stateroom attendant; they have a special key that unlocks the divider. Once it’s open, the two rooms share one long verandah, and they become effectively connecting staterooms. If you have a whole bank of adjacent rooms, you can fold back all the dividers and make one really long verandah.

On Disney’s Dream and Fantasy ships, all twelve of the Category 8A Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms are oversized, with two large portholes and no split bath. Four of the 8A staterooms could be called “mini-suites” or “junior suites” because they are large and somewhat divided. There are also eight 8A staterooms that offer unique open floor plans.

“Mini-Suites”

Four of the 8A staterooms are extra-spacious and have a wall divider between two “rooms.” The “rooms” are not completely separate, because there is a large opening between them that is not closed off with a privacy curtain or door. These “mini-suite” staterooms sleep 3 people and do not have the split bathroom. The bathroom is small, with sink, toilet and standard bathtub/shower. There are two televisions: one facing the bed and one facing the single pull-out sofa. In addition, these are connecting cabins, so if you needed to accommodate up to 6 people, getting the two connecting rooms would provide you with a super-spacious layout.

If you’re having a hard time envisioning these cabins, watch this YouTube video of a Disney Fantasy mini-suite .

• The “mini-suite” cabins are 5020 and 5022 (connecting) and 5520 and 5522 (connecting).

Oversized/Open Plan Staterooms

There are eight oversized 8A cabins with open floor plans. They are laid out as one big L-shaped living/sleeping room with no privacy curtain. (The bathroom fills the “L” shape, so the overall shape is square.) All sleep 4. In some cases there is a support pole running from floor to ceiling in the center of the room. They all seem to be handicapped-accessible, although only 6014 is marked HA on the deck plans. None have the split bath: there is no tub and instead there is a large square bathroom with a curtained shower area offering no barrier at floor level, so someone in a wheelchair can roll in.

• The oversized, open-plan cabins are 5018, 5518, 6012, 6014 and 6016 (connecting, both have a pole), 6510, 6512 and 6514 (connecting, both have a pole).

Thanks to Jo and Cheryl at Small World Vacations for details.

On Disney’s Dream and Fantasy ships, a few of the 1-Bedroom Suites and Concierge Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah have larger verandahs than the others, due to a “hump” in the shape of the ship on Decks 11 and 12.

• The 1-Bedroom Suites with the larger balconies are 11002, 11006, 12000, 12006, 12012, 12506 and 12512.
• The Concierge Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah with the larger balconies are 11004, 12008, 12010, 12508 and 12510.

Note also that 1-Bedroom Suite 12000 is unique. It is situated between the two Royal Suites. A hallway entrance leads to a hallway/mini-foyer with connecting doors to the two Royal Suites. Then you enter through the actual door of the suite. This suite has the largest verandah of any of the 1-Bedrooms and faces straight forward on the ship. Note that the outer part of the verandah is not private, since guests standing in public areas of Deck 13 can look straight down at it.

Accommodating a family of 5 or more on a Disney Cruise without breaking the bank is no easy trick.

If you are cruising with a family of 5 on the Magic or the Wonder, Disney will recommend the 304-square-foot Category 4 Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah, which is the smallest cabin that will sleep 5. That is not the lowest-priced option, in almost all cases.

You could book TWO connecting Category 9 Deluxe Oceanview or Category 10 Deluxe Inside staterooms instead. The combined price of two connecting lower-category staterooms is often about two-thirds to three-quarters the price of a single Family Stateroom, and you end up with more space (typically about 40% more overall), two full bathrooms, and more privacy. However, you won’t have a verandah.

If the verandah on the Category 4 is important to you, consider booking one Category 6 Deluxe Oceanview with Verandah or Category 7 Deluxe Oceanview with Navigator’s Verandah, plus one Category 9, 10 or 11 cabin. It may be cheaper, and you’ll have a lot more space, more privacy and two bathrooms. However, the staterooms will not connect.

You should also price out two connecting Category 5 cabins. It will be more expensive than the single Category 4, but not by as much as you’d think, and you’ll get a huge upgrade in space and bathroom capacity.

Any of the connecting room options are great if you have older kids. Even if your kids are small and you’re worried about them being in the next room, keep in mind that the stateroom attendant can give you a prop for the connecting doors, making the two rooms effectively one large suite. You’ll be able to hear the kids if they wake up in the night, but can close the door if you need some privacy.

For a family of 6 or more, you have a few choices. A 2-Bedroom Suite or Royal Suite will sleep up to 7. However, it will be cheaper (usually much cheaper) to book two staterooms than to book a suite.

If you are cruising with a family of 5 on the Dream, Fantasy or Wish, Disney will recommend the approximately 241-square-foot Category 8 Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom, which is the smallest cabin that will sleep 5. Generally this is in fact the cheapest option for 5 people.

However, especially in peak seasons (e.g., summer, spring break), it may be hundreds of dollars cheaper to book TWO connecting Category 11 Standard Inside staterooms instead. Alternatively, the price difference between a Category 8 Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom and TWO connecting Category 9D or 9C Deluxe Oceanview or Category 10A Deluxe Inside cabins (only on the Dream & Fantasy) may be negligible.

So always check prices both ways, and if the price difference is minimal, consider that two Category 9 Deluxe Oceanview cabins or two Category 10 Deluxe Inside cabins would give you a total of 408 square feet and two bathrooms. Two Category 11 Standard Inside cabins would give you about 338 square feet and two (non-split) bathrooms.

For a family of 6 or more, your only choice is two staterooms on the Dream or Fantasy. On the Wish, you can get concierge rooms that sleep 6, though two regular staterooms will be much cheaper.

Thanks to Mike R, Tara H and Cheryl from Small World Vacations for info!

As mentioned earlier, for a family of 5 it’s often cheaper to get two rooms rather than one, but the same logic applies (though less often) to families of 4. It can happen that the only rooms left that can handle 4 people are high-category, expensive ones. If less expensive rooms with fewer beds are available, you may be able to save money by booking two lower category rooms.

Even if you can get a single lower-category room that sleeps 4, it’s almost always worthwhile pricing out the cruise as two staterooms for comparison. Even if you don’t find a cheaper two-room option, you might be surprised to find one that’s only slightly more expensive. Unlike hotel pricing, where a second room always costs the same as the first room, cruise pricing has large supplementary fares for the 3rd and 4th occupant of a room, which makes splitting much more attractive. For example, you might find that a single room costs $3000, broken down into $1000 each for the first two guests and $500 each for the 3rd and 4th. Split into two identical staterooms of the same category you originally picked and your total fare is now $4000, or $1000 each for all 4 guests. That’s only a 33% increase in price for a 100% increase in space (and bathrooms)! Depending on the category and sailing, you’ll generally find that splitting 4 people into two staterooms of the exact same category is only 15%-40% more. And if you’re willing to make the second room a lower category, like an interior room on the same hallway, that reduces the cost even more.

If your children are small, you may want to limit yourself to connecting rooms. That makes this strategy somewhat harder on the Magic and Wonder, which have fewer overall connecting rooms. In addition, finding a set of available connecting rooms is not easy with Disney’s interface. We highly recommend using a travel agent if you want connecting rooms, as good travel agents are adept at finding connecting rooms and it’s exactly the kind of laborious task that you’d rather have someone else do for you.

If you’re willing to take your chances, consider booking a low-priced stateroom and hoping for an upgrade. For example, you could book a Category 11 “guarantee” stateroom, which means you’ll get at least a Category 11 Standard Inside cabin, but you are not immediately assigned a specific cabin. Instead, Disney Cruise Line guarantees you a room at this rate and waits to see how the ship fills up. If you are booking early and/or traveling during the off-season, this may work to your advantage. Since many people want to book the least expensive fare, the lowest fare often sells out. When that happens, Disney Cruise Line will sometimes upgrade some of the people who booked the lower fare first, in order to make cheaper rooms available for new guests.

Another trick is to request an upgrade at the port upon check-in. Depending on how full your cruise is, Disney is sometimes willing to upgrade you for a fee. Usually this fee is much less expensive than if you booked that category originally. If you are interested in trying this, get to the port early and as soon as you are in the terminal, make a beeline for the check-in desk and mention that you’re interested in paying for an upgrade. These upgrades had gotten very rare when the economy has picked back up, but when cruising restarts post-pandemic, there’s a decent chance that upgrades will become available again for at least some cruises in the offseason.

The key thing to keep in mind: upgrades are not in any way guaranteed, so don’t book a room you wouldn’t be happy staying in.

It is especially important to buy trip insurance for a cruise , because you have to pay the entire cost in advance and you won’t get a refund if you have to cancel right before your scheduled departure. With thousands of dollars at stake, it’s worth it to protect the investment.

It is absolutely critical to buy insurance if you will be taking a Caribbean cruise during hurricane season (between June 1 and November 30). While cruise ships can easily outrun and sail around hurricanes, ports and airports often close, which can affect your travel plans in a big way. If you don’t have insurance, you will be out of pocket for related expenses, such as renting a car to get to a new port or to get home from a port where you hadn’t expected to disembark. And if you can’t make it to the ship, the cruise line has the right to say “tough luck” and keep your money!

In 2016, hurricane Matthew caused significant damage in the Canaveral area and forced the closure of Port Canaveral. In 2017, Irma passed near Port Canaveral and Disney cut short several cruises and canceled several others. In 2018, hurricane Florence caused cruise ships to divert to alternate ports (not Disney, but primarily because of lucky timing). In 2019, Dorian caused Port Canaveral to be closed again and several cruises to be rescheduled and others to arrive late.

Because of these storms, people had trouble getting to their cruises or getting home afterwards because the airports were closed temporarily. Plenty of other people had to rearrange their flight dates and/or destinations, which often incurred a penalty. Some people ended up having to pay for hotel rooms when their cruises were delayed; others had to rent cars in order to get to the port. The luckiest ones never left for Florida, but still had to pay cancellation or change fees for the airfares they never used. These are exactly the kinds of expenses that trip insurance is designed to cover.

Perhaps the most important coverage included in a trip insurance policy is trip cancellation and interruption insurance , which can protect your investment if you have to cancel your cruise at the last minute (or come home early) due to illness or injury. Depending on the policy, you may also be covered if you cancel for other reasons, such as jury duty, terrorism at your destination, or even unemployment.

Emergency medical coverage and medical evacuation insurance are very important if you become ill or injured during the cruise. A lot of medical insurance policies do not cover you outside of your home country. Plus, evacuation insurance will help to pay for an emergency flight, which would be hugely expensive if you had to pay for it yourself. This can be very worthwhile, especially if you will be visiting developing countries, which is common on cruises. Personally we would not be comfortable with the care provided in most Caribbean hospitals, for instance, and would much prefer to be flown to the US for treatment.

Delayed baggage insurance will help you pay for replacement clothing if the airline sends your suitcase to Timbuktu and you need something to wear in the meantime. Supplemental baggage insurance will pay a predetermined amount if an airline or cruise line loses your luggage completely. When you consider the high cost of the formal wear you may be taking on a cruise, and how little airlines and cruise lines tend to pay for lost luggage, supplemental baggage insurance becomes a wise move. (Some higher-end credit cards provide extra baggage insurance, so check with your card issuer before paying extra for this coverage.)

Disney Cruise Line sells trip insurance, but it’s expensive and it has major exclusions: it doesn’t cover pre-existing medical conditions or air travel you arrange yourself. (Air travel arranged through Disney is covered.) You can almost always get better insurance than Disney offers, and at better rates, by buying it elsewhere.

Be aware that in most cases, trip insurance will provide slightly less coverage (usually by adding exclusions on pre-existing medical conditions) unless you buy it within about 14-21 days of paying your deposit on the cruise. So be sure to purchase it right away, once you’ve committed to the cruise.

Where to Buy Trip Insurance

• A great place to comparison-shop for trip insurance is SquareMouth , where you can see side-by-side policy information and rates for major, reputable insurance companies. We have used SquareMouth ourselves to buy trip insurance and were especially impressed with their straightforward comparison system and robust filters to help you find the specific insurance features you need. We were also impressed with their “Zero Complaint Guarantee,” where they will go to bat with the insurance company on your behalf if you have a problem. Compare policies on SquareMouth .

If you are an adult US citizen and plan to take a Disney cruise, we strongly recommend getting a passport. While according to the US State Department a passport card or an enhanced drivers license is acceptable for closed-loop (beginning and ending in same port) sea travel between the US and the Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean, Mexico and Canada, a regular “book” passport is required to fly into or out of the US. If an emergency arises, you won’t be able to fly back to the US from an international port without a passport. Similarly, if you are delayed and miss the ship sailing, you won’t be able to fly to the next port and catch up with the ship.

Kids who are US citizens will also need passports if traveling outside the Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean, Mexico and Canada. Kids under 16 can present a certified birth certificate as their ID when going to the Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean, Mexico and Canada, but we still highly recommend getting your kids a regular passport (NOT a passport card) for those destinations, due to the same restrictions on air travel mentioned above.

Finally, while most destinations in North America and the Caribbean will let you off the ship without a passport, you do need a full passport to get off the ship in Martinique.

About Passports

Each person in your party will need a passport. Some people have asked us about “family passports.” They have not been available for a long time. Children (even infants) must each have their own passport.

In order to get a passport, you will need:

• a certified copy of each person’s birth certificate. If you need certified copies of birth certificates and aren’t sure how to get them, a good site is VitalChek.com . Anyone not born in the US will need to provide proof of citizenship, such as a naturalization certificate.
• current, valid government-issued photo ID (such as drivers license or military ID) for each adult.
• two official passport photos. You can get these taken at many locations. Two of the cheapest places are AAA offices and Costco stores.

There are additional requirements for children. For more information on passports, including how and where to apply, visit the Department of State website.

Applying for your passports at least 3 months in advance is highly advisable. The processing time can currently take 8 weeks or more. If you need your passport sooner, you can get an expedited passport by mail directly from the Department of State by paying an extra fee of $60 plus the cost of express shipping both ways. An expedited passport takes about 2 weeks.

Most countries visited by Disney Cruise Line do not require US citizens to have a tourist visa.

Guests who purchase an organized tour in St. Petersburg, Russia will not require a Russian Tourist Visa as long as the booking is via a tour company with the appropriate licenses. All Disney shore excursions qualify, and most other excursions marketed to cruise passengers by third parties will as well. If booking a tour on your own, though, check with the tour company to make sure you won’t need a visa. Assuming you have booked with Disney or another licensed company, you will need to present the following items to the Russian Immigration officer when departing the ship:

• A valid passport for each guest
• A tour ticket from Disney or your third-party tour company for each guest
• Photocopy of the passport pages showing each guest’s picture and personal information

However, note that without a Russian Tourist Visa, visitation is limited to the period of the excursion and guests will not be permitted to leave the ship outside of the tour hours. Guests who wish to sightsee independently must obtain an individual Russian Tourist Visa before leaving home. Companies such as PassportVisasExpress.com can expedite the visa for you.

Booking Palo/Remy/Enchanté, Excursions, Onboard Activities, Spa Appointments and Kids’ Club Online

Disney Cruise Line has an online system that allows guests to make advance reservations for Palo, Remy or Enchanté (the adults-only restaurants onboard) as well as shore excursions, spa treatments, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, popular character breakfasts and meetings, and babysitting. In addition, you can do advance registration online for the kids’ clubs.

In order to use this service, your cruise must be paid in full.

• Platinum Castaway Club members (repeat Disney Cruise Line passengers who have been on 10 or more previous Disney cruises) and those who are staying in Concierge cabins can make their online reservations up to 120 days prior to embarkation. (And in fact, people staying in Concierge can tell the shoreside concierges in advance what they want, and the concierges will book them at the earliest possible point, effectively ahead of even the Platinum members.)
• Gold Castaway Club members (repeat Disney Cruise Line passengers who have been on 5-9 previous Disney cruises) can make their online reservations up to 105 days prior to embarkation.
• Silver Castaway Club members (repeat Disney Cruise Line passengers who have been 1-4 previous Disney cruises) can begin making reservations 90 days before embarking.
• All others can go online and make reservations 75 days in advance of departure.

To start making reservations online, register at DisneyCruise.com . You’ll need your cruise reservation number. Reservations open just after midnight EST, the exact number of days in advance listed above.

If you are not able to book the restaurant, shore excursion, spa treatment, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique appointment and/or babysitting time you want, try to get on the ship as early as possible on embarkation day. There will be locations on the ship where you can go in person and try to get your reservations. Some time slots are held back for onboard booking, so you have a decent chance.

Disney Cruise Line wedding packages are usually available on all cruises, but only a few weddings are allowed for each sailing: one or two on the ship, one on the island. You can hold a Disney Cruise Line wedding, commitment ceremony or vow renewal that is as small as just the two of you, or as large as 100 guests. A Disney Cruise Line wedding package is an “add-on” on top of your regular cruise fare.  Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings  offers full details on locations, guest limits and pricing.

The same information applies to a commitment ceremony or vow renewal. As far as Disney is concerned, the planning and costs for these ceremonies are all interchangeable.

• If you will have guests sharing your special day, it is easiest to have a single travel agent handle everyone’s arrangements, so that all of the names and reservation numbers can be cross-referenced as part of your wedding party. This will also help you to get group seating arrangements for dinner aboard the ship. Every attempt will be made to seat you and your guests near each other, if not at the same table.
• If you and your guests will be booking at least 8 cabins, you may qualify for group status, which brings some extra benefits. Ask your travel agent for details.

For more information, read  Disney Cruise Line’s official information on traveling with a disability .

Need a mobility aide, oxygen, baby crib or other special equipment while cruising? Special Needs at Sea is the preferred accessibility supplier for Cruise Lines International Association. Visit their website for a complete list of equipment and to reserve the items you need.

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• Disney Cruise Line Forum

Rooms with two portholes?

• Thread starter iheartbklyn
• Start date Aug 22, 2015

iheartbklyn

You're not my demographic.

• Aug 22, 2015

Where are the portholes located when there are two in a room? One above the bed and the other on the outside wall? I'm only seeing pictures with one porthole.  

PrincessShmoo

Dis veteran.

iheartbklyn said: Where are the portholes located when there are two in a room? One above the bed and the other on the outside wall? I'm only seeing pictures with one porthole. Click to expand...

DIS Veteran

When I was on the Wonder... loved the large single porthole on Deck 2. It felt like a climate controlled balcony. Don't know about the other ships, but the Wonder mid-ship single portholes are larger than the ones towards the bow/stern.  

xlxo said: When I was on the Wonder... loved the large single porthole on Deck 2. It felt like a climate controlled balcony. Don't know about the other ships, but the Wonder mid-ship single portholes are larger than the ones towards the bow/stern. Click to expand...

Mouseketeer

• Aug 23, 2015

Wonder porthole.  

Attachments

mom4fun said: Are you sure about that? I've never heard of that. We've been aft and forward and the window size was the same. So you are saying the mid ship ones are bigger? Click to expand...

Gotta get away to where the boat leaves from...

tinay said: On the fantasy, we had an amazing room with 2 large portholes that were separated by a wall. It was perfect because my parents slept in the bed on one side of the wall and I slept on the sofa on the other side of the wall. I can't find a picture on my computer, so here is one I found online... Click to expand...

Iamaplanner

That is an 8A. My favourite rooms!  

xlxo said: Check out this discussion and picture. You can see the Deck 2 windows get a little bigger mid ship. http://www.disboards.com/threads/mid-ship-portholes-on-wonder-and-magic.3441296/#post-54292953 Please keep your curtains closed when docked. Click to expand...

jjgarv said: Wow! What category of stateroom is this? And where was your room located? Click to expand...

mylittlebuttercup

• Aug 26, 2015

We just stayed in an 8A on the Dream with the two large portholes, and it was awesome. The rooms are more square than rectangular, so they feel huge. We always want to book this category from now on if sailing on the Dream or Fantasy.  

tinay said: It is category 8a. I know that they are on the 5th and 6th deck (I think forward...) because I have stayed on those decks, not sure if they are located on other decks. But they are awesome. Love them Click to expand...

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