Everything you need to know about taking a Disney Cruise Line’s Marvel Day at Sea cruise.
A Disney Marvel Day at Sea cruise is available on select 5-night cruises from Miami to the Bahamas and the Western Caribbean on the Disney Dream. This year, 2023, there are more than 30 Super Heroes and Villians including the debut of Captain America Sam Wilson, Mighty Thor, Shang-Chi, and more onboard. You will get to spend a day journeying through the Marvel Universe with one-of-a-kind entertainment and thrilling activities.
My family and I recently returned from taking a Disney Cruise Line Marvel Day at Sea cruise on the Disney Dream. I wanted to share with you a complete guide of what there is to do and see while on this themed cruise so that you are prepared for your own cruise.
Reserve Heroic Encounters – Marvel Character Meet and Greets
At 30 days out from your cruise at the same time as when you are able to do your online check-in, you are also able to make reservations for Marvel character meet and greets or Heroic Encounters. There are three different meet and greets to choose from Heroic Encounters: HQ, Heroic Encounters Asgard, and Heroic Encounters: Guardians. While the language in the Disney Cruise Line app states that guests can only reserve one character event per cruise, our party was able to make a reservation for all three, but only one reservation per Heroic Encounter.
Heroic Encounters: HQ includes Iron Man and Spider-Man. The Heroic Encounters: Asgard includes either Thor and Mighty Thor or Loki. Lastly, Heroic Encounters: Guardians includes Groot and either Gamora or StarLord. *Character experiences are subject to change, however, this was our experience on our cruise.
If you are unable to make reservations before they sell out there are a couple of things you can do:
- Try splitting up your party into smaller groups.
- Be sure to check all days during your cruise not just the Marvel Day at Sea. Our cruise had scheduled meet and greets on day 2, day 3, day 4, and day 5.
- Continue checking the app to see if any reservations become available including the day you board your cruise.
- If you still can’t get a Heroic Encounters reservation you can always check at guest services after you board to see if they can help you.
Marvel Character Meet and Greets (without reservations)
There are plenty of opportunities to meet Disney characters including Marvel characters around the ship during your cruise. Some characters do not hold official meet and greets and were just wandering around the ship. These characters would talk to guests and pose for photos. While character experiences are subject to change, on our cruise some characters that we meet that you did not need a reservation for included: Captain America Steve Rogers, Captain America Sam Wilson, Shang-Chi, Ms. Marvel, Hawkeye, Black Widow, Captain Marvel, Antman and Wasp, Kate Bishop, Black Panther, Shuri, and Doctor Strange.
In addition, the traditional characters: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Goofy, Donald, Daisy, and Chip and Dale were dressed as fans of their favorite Marvel character.
Marvel Day at Sea Shows
There are several shows to take in during your Marvel Dat at Sea that include your favorite Super Heros and Villians. Shows include:
Marvel Heros Unite
This nighttime spectacular has incredible stunts and special effects along with fireworks. This show has a time-warping battle that spans the multiverse and includes a huge assortment of Marvel Super Heroes and Villains. This is a must-see!
Strange Academy: A Spellbinding Spectacular
Experience the power of the mystic arts during the Strange Academy: A Spellbinding Spectacular in the Walt Disney Theatre. This show features Doctor Strange, Agatha Harkness, and Sorcer Supreme Wong.
Warriors of Wakanda Show
In the atrium, you will train side-by-side with the Dora Milaje in the Warriors of Wakanda show. This show features Okoye, the General of the elite group of warriors in Wakanda, and will teach you the ways of the Dora Milaje.
Star-Spangled USO Show
This fun-filled tribute to Captain America will include a vintage big band song-and-dance number in the Evolution dance club with a special appearance by Captain America.
Mickey & Minnie’s Super Hero Celebration
Dressed up to honor their favorite Marvel Super Heroes, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Pluto, and Chip ‘n Dale celebrate with you during this fun party.
Food Including Sweets
Marvel Day at Sea Main Dining
While the menu was Marvel themed and the dishes’ names were Marvel themed the actual food lacked any Marvel theme. However, there were a couple of Marvel-themed dessert items in Cabana at lunch.
Vanellope’s Sweets and Treats
Available exclusively during Marvel Day at Sea cruises you will be able to enjoy an epic selection of themed sweets and treats (additional fee applies). In Vanellope’s Sweets and Treats, you may find:
• Iron Man Cupcake made with vanilla sponge cake and vanilla frosting
• Spider-Man Cupcake made with chocolate devil cake and white chocolate mousse
• Baby Groot Marshmallow Stick
• Marvel Cookie Sandwich with dulce de leche filling
• Captain America brownie
Vista Cafe/Cove Cafe
You can get Marvel-themed screen prints on the top of your coffees at both Vista Cafe and Cove Cafe for an additional purchase. The coffees are delicious and the prints are adorable!
Onboard Activities
Discover all the exciting Marvel-themed goings-on happening aboard the ship.
Costume Fun
Suit up as your favorite Marvel Super Hero or Villain and join other fans for an unforgettable day of heroic proportions.
Movies
Catch Marvel Studios blockbusters and classic hits inside the Buena Vista Theatre and on deck.
Kids Activities
Children ages 4 through 12 can put their skills to the test and learn what it takes to become part of the next generation of Super Heroes during an interactive experience in the kids club.
Marvel Origins
Brush up on the Marvel Universe during this eye-opening, interactive Super Hero session.
Family Trivia
A battle of wits! Unleash your inner fan with challenging games designed to test your knowledge of Marvel’s heroes and foes.
Animation Academy
Learn how to draw popular Marvel Super Heroes—like Spider-Man, Captain America, Iron Man, and Groot.
Overall we had a fun-filled day aboard the Disney Dream making all our Marvel dreams come true!
