Disney cruise AquaDuck, AquaDunk and AquaMouse: What are the differences?
When it comes to kids clubs, onboard entertainment and service, Disney Cruise Line blows just about every other mainstream cruise line out of the water. However, it doesn't quite have the top-deck "wow" factor of other brands. On its ships, the main attractions tend to be the pools and water rides, which include AquaDuck, AquaDunk and AquaMouse.
But what are they, and what sets them apart? With names so similar, it can be difficult to know the difference. Here, I'll go over what each attraction entails, what you should know before you ride and the ships on which you'll find them.
What is the Disney Cruise Line AquaDuck?
Of these three Disney cruise waterslides, AquaDuck was the first to debut. It was rolled out on Disney Dream in 2011, and a second followed when Disney Fantasy began sailing a year later in 2012.
Named after Donald Duck, AquaDuck is billed as a "water coaster," which means that instead of just hopping into the slide and careening down several decks, you sit in a two-person raft. That allows you to sit somewhat upright during your journey.
During the ride, you'll wind down four decks and pass through the ship's funnel. If you look down through the clear tubing, you'll catch a view of the pool deck and ocean below. It's definitely fun but might not be as heart-pounding as some other thrill slides you might have tried. Tip: Ride at night for an even better experience that includes colorful lights.
Passengers must be at least 42 inches tall to ride. To ride alone, you must be at least 54 inches tall and 7 years old. Children younger than 7 must be accompanied by someone who meets the two-person height requirement and is at least 14 years old. Passengers cannot wear loose items, snorkels or swim masks on AquaDuck.
Which Disney ships have AquaDuck?
The AquaDuck water coaster is on Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.
What is the Disney cruise AquaDunk?
Disney Magic is currently the only ship to house AquaDunk. The vessel was retrofitted with the waterslide during a massive refurbishment in 2013.
Of all of Disney's waterslides, AquaDunk is the fastest and most thrilling. It's a true waterslide in the sense that it doesn't use rafts. Instead, cruisers step into a pod at the top of the slide and wait for the floor to drop out from under them. When that happens, they shoot down through 212 feet of clear tubing, including a section that takes them 20 feet out over the side of the ship, above the open water below.
You must be at least 48 inches tall to ride AquaDunk, and it's an experience that requires passengers to go one at a time. Goggles, swim masks and snorkel equipment are not allowed on AquaDunk.
Which Disney ships have AquaDunk?
AquaDunk is only on one of Disney Cruise Line's ships: Disney Magic.
What is the Disney cruise AquaMouse?
Disney claims AquaMouse is the first theme park-style attraction at sea (although I disagree that it's theme park-caliber). It debuted on Disney Wish in 2022, elevating the brand's waterslide-style rides to the next level.
The experience starts with passengers sitting in two-person rafts, which are slowly drawn uphill on a conveyor belt. During the climb, passengers can watch one of two special animated shows via screens that line the walls.
The first one, Scuba Scramble, takes riders on an under-sea trip as Mickey and Minnie try to start their own shore excursion company. The second show, Swiss Meltdown, involves a mountaintop sledding excursion gone awry.
When riders reach the top, the fun truly begins with drops, twists and turns to follow.
Sister ships Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny are set to offer their own versions of AquaMouse. Respectively, the ships will feature Curse of the Golden Egg, which sees Mickey and Minnie searching for treasure in an ancient temple, and a villain-themed show with baddies from the Disney Animation Archive, including the Queen of Hearts from "Alice in Wonderland," Scar from "The Lion King" and Chernabog from "Fantasia."
Which Disney ships have AquaMouse?
Disney Wish features the AquaMouse attraction, along with Disney Treasure. Disney Destiny will also have a version of the attraction when the vessel debuts in 2025.
Does Disney Wonder have a waterslide?
Yes. However, although Disney Wonder has a waterslide, it's not one of the line's branded Aqua-slides. Instead, it's a pretty standard waterslide that's part of the AquaLab children's water play area. The yellow tubing, which is open to the sky, provides a somewhat leisurely, winding ride designed for children and teens rather than thrill-seekers.
Note that Twist 'n' Spout is also on Disney Magic and Disney Fantasy. Cruisers must be at least 38 inches tall to ride. Goggles, swim masks and snorkel equipment are not permitted on Twist 'n' Spout.
What does it cost to ride Disney cruise ship waterslides?
Disney Cruise Line waterslides are free for all passengers to ride.
Planning a Disney cruise? We've got you covered with these articles:
- The ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line
- The best Disney Cruise Line sailings for every traveler
- Disney Cruise Line's Castaway Club loyalty program
- Types of Disney Cruise Line ships explained
- Disney Cruise Line's Oceaneer kids club
- Ways to save money on a Disney cruise
- The best destinations to visit on a Disney cruise
- Disney Cruise Line tips and tricks
- Disney Cruise Line ships, newest to oldest
- Disney Cruise Line ships, biggest to smallest
- Disney Cruise Line drink packages
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.