Disney ships are full of some great outdoor spaces to relax, play, or swim. The itinerary and weather will determine how much time you’ll want to spend out there, but there are some good choices on every ship. Here are 10 of author Tammy Whiting’s favorites!
1. Satellite Falls (Dream and Fantasy) – Satellite Falls first appeared on the Disney Fantasy, and it proved so popular that the Dream added it during its next dry dock. It’s a large, adults-only space with lots of lounge chairs, shade, and a shallow water feature in which to sit and cool off. I consider any cruise where I don’t spend a lot of time there to be a missed opportunity.
2. Deck 4 (Magic, Wonder, Dream, and Fantasy) – Hands-down, this is my favorite place onboard to sit and relax. I’ve spent glacier day there on an Alaskan cruise, played shuffleboard with my family, walked the deck for exercise, and just sat and relaxed as we sailed along on Caribbean cruises. The Wish-class Disney ships do have a similar area on deck 4; it just doesn’t go all the way around the ship if you want an uninterrupted walking path.
3. Mini Golf (Dream and Fantasy) – I can’t say I spend a ton of time here on hot cruises, but I have played a few times and always appreciate the option. I see guests out there all the time, so it’s a popular place for many!
4. Rainforest Room (Dream, Fantasy, and Wish Class Ships) – I could (and have) spent hours in the Rainforest Rooms onboard. There is a Rainforest Room on the Magic and Wonder; they just don’t have any outdoor space as part of it.
I absolutely love outdoor spaces. On the Wish-class Disney ships, although there is no ocean view, there’s a large, peaceful area with lots of seating options and two hot tubs. On the Dream and Fantasy, the heated tile chairs have a view of the semi-enclosed outdoor space where the two hot tubs are.
5. AquaDuck/AquaDunk/AquaMouse (Dream-, Fantasy-, Magic-, and Wish-Class Ships) – The headliner slides onboard are all fun. The AquaDuck on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy is a coaster at sea where you launch up and down as you travel. The AquaMouse is similar but adds screens with a story to follow as you go along. The AquaDunk on the Disney Magic is unique. It’s a super-quick ride, which begins with the floor dropping out from under you.
6. Concierge Sundeck (Wish-Class Ships) – The concierge sundeck on the Wish-class ships needs a special shoutout because it’s so good. It’s large; there’s plenty of space and loungers; and it has a bar with self-serve smoothies including Dole Whips, a fridge of drinks, two hot tubs, and a shallow pool. On a sunny day, it’s a shame to ever have to leave.
7. Adult Pools (All Ships) – The adult pools on every ship have their advantages and disadvantages (too small on the Wish class, kids walking through on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy), but they all have one huge advantage—they’re for adults only. When you need a space to get away from the littles, this is your adult haven.
8. Chip and Dale’s Pool (Wish-Class Ships) – I hate to bring more attention to this pool because it’s usually so nice and quiet, but it’s a terrific pool! It’s shallow and surrounded by comfortable lounge chairs. It’s in roughly the same location as Satellite Falls on the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy, so it feels like it should be an adults-only area, but so far, the littles are welcome!
9. The Bow of the Ship (Wish-Class Ships) – I love being able to walk out on the bow of the ship, and the Disney Wish is the first Disney ship to offer the option.
10. Marceline/Cabanas Deck (All Ships) – The buffets onboard have plenty of indoor, air-conditioned (or heated, depending on your itinerary) space, but if the weather’s nice out, eat outside! The views are great, and who doesn’t want to eat by the ocean?
About the author of the blog: Tammy Whiting is the coauthor of The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line. Blogger, Space Force wife, and mother of two, Tammy has been involved in the travel industry for more than 15 years. Though she certainly enjoys vacations of all kinds, her favorite adventures around the globe have been on cruise ships. Tammy spent five years of her childhood in Europe as a military brat and has been a military spouse for over 30 years, living in almost every corner of the US. When she isn’t traveling, you can find her enjoying her family, buying camera equipment, and planning her next trip!
If you enjoyed this post, sign up for our newsletter here, and to prepare for your trip, pre-order The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line 2025 NOW! #unofficialguide #theUGSeries
