The Disney Cruise Line was introduced to the world in 1998, with the maiden voyage of the Disney Magic. This cruise ship, one of the two smallest in the fleet (along with its sister ship the Disney Wonder), offers itineraries around the world. Homeports have included Miami, Galveston, New York, Barcelona, Spain and Dover, England, and the ship usually spends summers in Europe.
The Disney Magic was renovated in 2013, with updates including the introduction of the AquaDunk waterslide. Additional renovations in 2018 included the addition of Rapunzel’s Royal Table restaurant. The ship is decorated in the Art Deco style.
The Disney Magic can accommodate 2,713 passengers and 950 crew on eleven passenger decks. There are 875 cabins. It’s smaller than the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy and may feel more comfortable than those larger ships.
Staterooms on the Disney Magic
The Disney Magic offers 262 inside cabins and 613 outside cabins. In the outside cabin category, there are both ocean view rooms and lanai rooms, as well as concierge level rooms. Connecting cabins are available if you book more than one room for your group.
Veranda rooms are a great option for families. The deluxe cabin with sea view and veranda is particularly popular. It includes a queen bed, a sofa bed and a pull-down bunk bed. Other cabin amenities include a fridge, TV and separate bathroom. One bathroom includes a toilet and sink, while the other contains the shower and another sink.
Eat on the Disney Magic
Like other Disney Cruise Line ships, the Disney Magic has three main restaurants. Customers can choose between two meal times – one early and one later – for their entire trip. As you sail, you and your service crew will rotate through the three dining areas. These three main restaurants include:
- Animator’s Palate – a lively and fun animation-themed restaurant offered on all four ships.
- Lumiere’s – a French-inspired restaurant named after the candelabra character in Beauty and the Beast
- Rapunzel’s Royal Table – the newest of the three restaurants, this restaurant features character tours and music in a lively environment. It was added in 2018.
You’ll never go hungry on the Disney Magic, as there are other casual places to eat throughout the day. This includes Cabanas Buffet (offered on all four ships), Pinocchio’s Pizzeria, Daisy’s De-Lites and Duck-In Diner.
Adults can also enjoy brunch or dinner at Palo, an adults-only northern Italian restaurant. Palo is a more upscale restaurant, with a separate dress code and cover charge. If you want to eat there, be sure to book in advance, as Palo is very popular.
Things to do on the Disney Magic
You’ll never be bored on a Disney ship, with so many activities, amenities and entertainment created just for families. Every day you will be welcomed with activities such as bingo (open to all ages), game shows, karaoke and quizzes. These take place in a variety of venues, including the D Lounge, which primarily showcases family events.
You can also see your favorite Disney characters throughout the ship and at Castaway Cay. A schedule of character greetings and programming is available in both the Daily Navigator newspaper and the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app.
Deck 9 contains Goofy’s Pool Family Pool, AquaLab and Nephew’s Splash Zone. There’s also the exhilarating AquaDunk, a waterslide that begins with a steep dive. Disney Magic is the only Disney Cruise Line ship to offer AquaDunk.
There are also a number of adult-only Disney Magic sites. This includes the After Hours area on Deck 3. It includes three bars – O’Gill’s Pub, Fathoms and Keys. Beverage seminars are also offered for adults at an additional cost and must be booked in advance.
Like other Disney Cruise Line ships, the Disney Magic includes other adults-only locations, including a Senses Spa and Salon, a quiet Cove Pool, and a Cove Cafe.
There is also a Bibbidi Bobbidi shop on board. Children can choose to be transformed into a princess, pirate, captain or knight. As with other Disney Cruise Line activities, it’s best to book ahead if possible due to its popularity.
Catch the latest blockbuster from Disney-owned studios at the Buena Vista Theater. These first-run movies are all free and will stream as you browse. Classic Disney movies are also shown on the pool deck.
Shops on the Disney Magic
There are several shops onboard the Disney Magic, stocking Disney-branded essentials and memorabilia. Stores include Quack’s Retail Store, Mickey’s Grandsail and White Caps. They are closed when the ship is in port due to local regulations, but are generally open in the evenings and during days at sea.
Kids Clubs on the Disney Magic
The Disney Magic offers youth clubs which are a great place for children to play and meet friends while cruising. These include the Oceaneer Lab and Club, which offers different play areas for children, including Andy’s Room (inspired by Toy Story), MARVEL Super Hero Academy and Pixie Hollow. The laboratory and the Oceaneer club are intended for children from 3 to 12 years old.
Do you have older children? There is also a tween club called Edge and a teen club called Vibe. There is also a Chill Spa for teenagers located at the Senses Spa.
Entertainment on the Disney Magic
Several Broadway-style musicals are performed at the Walt Disney Theater. Current shows on Disney Magic are Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story, Tangled, and Disney Dreams – an Enchanted Classic. Show times may vary.
Parties on deck, including the Sail Away party, take place throughout your sail and may depend on your itinerary. The schedule for these is listed in the Daily Navigator newspaper and on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app.
Other live shows and performances take place every time you sail. These can include bands, singers and other musicians that can be seen in the various bars, clubs and other public spaces.
Amenities on the Disney Magic
In addition to entertainment, shopping, dining, and recreational activities, there are plenty of amenities on the Disney Magic. Guest Services can help you with reservations or any customer service issues you have on board. They can be viewed in person or through the app.
Wi-Fi, called [email protected] is offered at an additional cost. However, guests can message each other for free using the Disney Cruise Line app. It’s best to download the app before your trip so you don’t have to worry about it once at sea.
A laundry room is available and includes supplies for purchase, as well as irons and ironing boards. You can use your booth account for purchases, and the app lets you know when the machines are finished, so you don’t have to sit and wait.
There’s also the Harbor Adventures office, where you can plan any excursions you may not have booked in advance.
Once you’re ready to book your next cruise, you can take advantage of potential cabin discounts and credits by visiting the Disney Vacation Planning Office.
