Disney Cruise Line in a Jiffy: What is the AquaDuck?

The AquaDuck is the headliner waterslide on two Disney Cruise Line ships: the Dream and the Fantasy. The slide experience is the same on both ships: a mostly-transparent 765-foot tube slide around the perimeter of the ship. Disney bills the AquaDuck as the first water coaster at sea, with water jets that propel you through a few uphill sections, and it’s a blast if you like mild thrills and enjoy getting wet.

You’ll find the entrance to the AquaDuck on Deck 12 aft, where you’ll head up the staircase to the loading area in the funnel on Deck 16. From here, you’ll head off into the tube and swoosh your way to splashdown on Deck 12.

Along the way, you’ll find uphills, downhills, a swoop out over the side of the ship with only the ocean below, and you’ll even pass through the forward funnel midway through the ride. Since the tube is transparent, friends and family can wave as you slide past.

The rafts for the AquaDuck hold two, but you can ride solo if you meet the height requirement. You must be at least 42″ tall to ride the AquaDuck and at least 54″ tall to ride alone. Guests must be at least seven years old to ride alone, and guests under age seven must ride with someone at least 14 years old.

Guests should be in good health and free from back or neck conditions to ride, and Disney’s posted warning also advises that expectant mothers shouldn’t use the slide. Loose items such as phones or sunglasses aren’t allowed; there are open cubbies nearby to hold your items while you ride. And clothing with zippers, buckles, rivets, or other exposed metal is also prohibited, as it can damage the rafts. Snorkels or swim masks aren’t allowed, nor are the Disney-provided pool vests. But Coast Guard personal flotation devices, including water wings, are OK, as are swim goggles that fit only over the eyes.

The Dream and the Fantasy have two smaller slides in addition to the AquaDuck. Mickey’s Slide is in the Mickey’s Pool area, with the entrance on Deck 11; guests must be between 38″ and 64″ to ride this slide. And in the Nemo’s Reef play area for kids aged 4 and under, Mr. Ray’s slide is pre-schooler-sized fun.

The AquaDuck is a very popular onboard activity for tweens, teens, and thrill seekers of all ages; waits of up to an hour are common on sea days. Check the Navigator app for operating hours, and for the shortest line, aim to ride

• Early in the morning, when it first opens
• On port days, but avoid times near or after all-aboard when most people have returned from excursions.
• During dinner and the evening show times
• When the weather isn’t great, but it’s still warm enough to ride

Disney Cruise Line in a Jiffy is for first-time Disney cruisers looking to learn about the DCL experience. Got a Disney Cruise Line term that you want to see explained? Suggest it in the comments below!