We sailed on the 2/20, 4 night Wish but I just read this post now. I find it interesting as we too were a party of 2 adults on our 25th
Disney Cruise (29th cruise overall). From the early days of reviews of the Wish I felt it was great for families with young kids, or first time cruisers, not seasoned cruisers or parties of adults only. After actually experiencing it I can confirm that is my opinion.
To touch on some of your points, while I thought the Grand Hall was pretty, my biggest surprise was no one cheering as we boarded. We got our name announced but then that was it...right on to the next party. No line of CMs happy to see us.
I know it is a very little thing but it really got you pumped up upon boarding and I immediately noticed it missing. Also, the costume of the announcer was not the Cruise look, but more of a Fairy Tale look. It gave a different vibe.
I too prefer the self serve buffet so that was sort of annoying, especially when some portions, like the breads were self serve. While I missed my old favorite foods, overall I felt the food quality was maybe a step up, however the 2 days we did lunch at MM I felt it lacking. The Festival of Foods was a wonderful addition!
I went in knowing I would not like the dinner shows. Honestly, Arendelle was not too bothersome. I think the performers "read the room" and just waved at us as they visited other tables. Marvel, again I will start by saying I have 0 interest in Marvel and actually dislike all that stuff. I felt I would be able to avoid the videos. Unfortunately they were very loud (we were right next to one), and something else I hadn't heard of and I'm surprised, the huge bugs on the screens while eating my appetizer. Who thought that was a good idea? Maybe the same person who designed the jogging track? But yeah, looking at bugs at dinner...absolutely gross!
I can't comment on the room as we booked a 9D GTY and got an accessible room...TONS of space! As much as I loved it I almost wished I had a regular room so I could have experienced it.
We often see reports here of the layout being bad. I didn't think that would be an issue...just learn the ship. No biggie! I have to say, after 4 days I was still confused. I didn't like having the adult activities just thrown in wherever. Not only was it harder to figure out where I had to go and then find the way, but it made it easier for kids to pop in, which we had happen quite a few times over just 4 nights. In one instance we were at an event at Luna and everyone heard kids voices from the balcony. The host stopped and nicely told them they had to leave. They looked at her. She said it again, very sweetly. The Dad then leaned over and said "Oh its ok, they are just listening, not participating".
You could tell the host did not know what to do. Obviously she couldn't fight with the guy in front of a packed lounge, but, by right.... She just sort of said "Oooo-K" and went on. I feel if all the adult bars were secluded like the other ships, that would not have happened.
The adult pool/bar/deck area...UGH! No lounge chairs to lay in the sun unless you go out to the sides. From there not only was the sun blocked by the Aqua Mouse but I could hear the movie from the Dumbotron, the life guards whistle, and occasional kids screaming. I missed that nice soft music I usually listen to on the side decks near Satellite Falls. No seats at the Cove Bar! Most afternoons we spend sitting at the bar having a cocktail, where we have met some wonderful bartenders and had some fun with guests over the years. That is not an option here. In the end I found deck 14 forward, while not adult only, was more enjoyable, quieter, with more loungers in the sun. We also were able to sit at Currents Bar and chat with the bartenders and other guests too. I feel that area should adult only too.
We too did not get offered a Platinum Gift. We asked our stateroom host who said to call. We did and were told they don't just give them out now you have to ask. Is it really a gift if you have to ask???
Between that and losing automatic Boarding Group 1, I really feel they are forgetting about their loyal guests.
We didn't see a movie but felt the WD Theater seats were OK. We are 5 4 and 5 10 though, not very tall.
Cast Members were all top notch! I can't say enough good there. Some even were able to work some magic for us which helped me enjoy the cruise more.
Overall we had a good time, it was a cruise, how can it be bad, but we didn't love the Wish like the other ships. It definitely would not be my choice in the future, unless I had a reason (like family all sailing on it and wanting to go along). Also if the Treasure ends up being the same, I don't feel the need to try that one. I really hope they keep at least 1 of the Dream Class ships going out of FL.
