I have been on cruises in the past, but only this year did I experience one that blew all my expectations out the window.

When one hears “Disney,” the image of classic and beloved characters immediately springs to mind. However, Disney Cruise Line (DCL) is a character all its own. It operates separately from Disney theme parks, though both are subsidiaries of The Walt Disney Company.

A relatively new entrant (since 1996) into the magical world that has captivated the globe, DCL has made waves with its unique brand of storytelling.

Each of its five ships currently sailing (Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish) feels like a moving theme park, but in a way that is distinctly different. You have to experience it to believe it.

From the moment one steps onto the ship, the magic begins. A recent cruise aboard Disney Wish allowed me to escape into a world that wasn’t just filled with Toon Town thrills but also offered real-world comforts.

From carpet to ceiling and everything in between, the Disney touch in every detail told a story. From artwork to entertainment, DCL showed how much more there was to tickle the imagination.

However, for many cruise-goers, the unexpected magic came in the form of flavors.

Rotational dining, according to DCL representatives, is Disney’s way of ensuring that all cruise guests experience each of the three themed dining venues while on board.

Like all cruise ships, Disney ships offer a variety of restaurants and bars where guests can relax and savor the good life. Because cruises typically run on three- to four-night schedules, DCL has devised a hassle-free way for guests to dine at the main restaurants during their trip.

A restaurant schedule and table number are provided upon arrival via the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App. Each evening, you and your servers rotate to a different restaurant! Like magic, you find yourself in a different “world,” from the Marvel universe to Frozen’s kingdom, or even in the classic tale of founder Walt Disney’s original creations.

What’s also beautiful is that as you rotate, the same servers -- who already know your quirks and preferences -- provide a familiar presence, making you feel comfortable as you immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of each dining venue.

There are two seating times each night: around 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Since you are already assigned a seating time and restaurant rotation, you are always assured of a table when you arrive. The menus also vary, so even if you dine in the same venue twice, you won’t be eating the same food. Magic!

Themed dining

At the Disney Wish, the themed restaurants include: 1923, which serves California cuisine with a “unique blend of Asian, European and South American influences,” enjoyed in an atmosphere of creativity that celebrates the year the legendary animation studio was founded in Southern California; Arendelle, which invites guests to the royal engagement of Queen Anna and Kristoff in a musical dining experience featuring Norwegian-inspired dishes; Marceline Market, named after Walt Disney’s early childhood hometown in Missouri, where breakfast and lunch offer American and international specialties, grilled meats and seafood, tempting baked goods and healthy fare, including vegetarian options, all enjoyed with “a dash of Disney whimsy;” and Worlds of Marvel, where wall screens take you into a mystery starring Ant-Man and Wasp, and where Spider-Man might just run in and out as you’re about to take a bite of your food.

On Disney Cruises, you can also order complimentary room service (24 hours a day, for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks) or make reservations at the adult-exclusive Palo Steakhouse or Enchanté. Palo Steakhouse is a revelation, with delicious Italian food and drink options, even including a water menu! Wall-to-wall shelves of wines tempt the connoisseur, and the desserts—especially the Palo chocolate soufflé -- are a must-try.

Palo, we discovered, is inspired by Cogsworth from Beauty and the Beast, with its interiors tastefully incorporating touches of the story’s iconic rose. For dinner, it transforms into a steakhouse offering “the most elite American prime cuts and melt-in-your-mouth Australian wagyu to succulent Japanese Kobe and Miyazaki beef,” as one review describes.

Each Disney Cruise Line ship offers something unique, and with three new ships on the horizon -- including the Disney Adventure, based in Singapore by 2025 -- experiencing the world of Disney through your palate is becoming even more possible!