The Disney Magic docked on Castaway Cay. Courtesy of Laura Begley Bloom
Why Go
The Disney Magic was the first ship from Disney Cruise Line, and now — fresh off a dry-dock refurbishment — it has never looked better. Characters take the spotlight, from a just-launched Marvel Day at Sea, complete with Spider-Man and friends, to a new Tangled dinner experience starring none other than that fair-haired princess, Rapunzel. And with overhauled spaces for everyone from teens to adults, this ship keeps all ages happy. So whether you’re traveling with young children, teens or as part of a multigenerational group, the Magic delivers that signature Disney magic in spades.
The Ship
The Magic is one of Disney’s smaller vessels, but what this ship lacks in size, it makes up for in well-designed spaces. The interiors and exteriors harken back to the golden age of cruising, with classic Art Deco flourishes and a sleek blue exterior with bright yellow lifeboats (a Disney Cruise Line signature) and splashes of red. The line has been surprisingly restrained when it comes to branding, decorating the hallways with sophisticated paintings from Disney classics, as well as hidden Mickeys in unexpected spots like the nautical shower curtains.
A smaller ship than its Disney siblings, the Dream and the Fantasy, the Magic measures just 984 feet long and carries up to 2,713 passengers in its 875 staterooms. Stack that up against mega-ships on other lines, which carry more than double that number of passengers, and you have a pleasantly intimate sailing experience. It’s easy to learn the layout of the ship, and you won’t be walking for miles to get from one space to the next.
In the “Mickey and Friends Super Hero Celebration” during Marvel Day at Sea, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Pluto and even Chip and Dale join in the fun as they dress up to honor their favorite Marvel Super Heroes for a dance party on deck. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)
Kids Will Love
Marvel Day at Sea
The biggest news for the Disney Magic is Marvel Day at Sea, which will appear on a handful of five-night Western Caribbean cruises out of Miami in 2018, and on select five-night cruises to the Bahamas and the Western Caribbean in early 2019. This immersive experience extends from the character meet-and-greets (Captain America, Black Panther, Thor, you name it) to the themed dinner menus, which include super hero-inspired dishes.
But where Marvel Day at Sea really shines is during the creative programming that lasts from 8 a.m. to midnight. There are trivia competitions, drawing lessons, costume contests and even a baby race for the tiniest super heroes. Mickey, Minnie and friends get in on the action, too, dressing up in their finest super hero garb for a big dance party on the top deck. A special Marvel-themed pop-up shop caters to your retail needs.
Tangled Attractions
Rapunzel takes a starring role aboard the Disney Magic. The new restaurant, Rapunzel’s Royal Table, brings the kingdom of Corona to life in a vast space that’s been designed to look like the ballroom from the royal castle. With sing-a-longs, a kids’ parade and characters roaming around greeting guests like they’re at an over-the-top wedding reception, this is an experience that goes way beyond dinner theater.
And then there’s “Tangled: the Musical,” an adaptation of the original movie that features new songs from composer Alan Menken, who did the original Tangled soundtrack. Held in Disney’s glamorous theater, the musical is Broadway-worthy, with elaborate sets and a fine cast of performers.
Kids’ Clubs
Don’t despair if the new Marvel Day at Sea isn’t scheduled to appear on your Magic cruise. There are enough entertainment options to keep you very busy — whether you’re on a three-day cruise or a weeklong sailing.
Disney’s Oceaneer Club (ages 3-12) features the reimagined Club Disney Junior. This space for children now offers even more Disney-themed activities (a toy repair class with Doc McStuffins, for instance). The Oceaneer Club also offers fun opportunities like Marvel’s Avengers Academy, where super heroes teach kids how to be a hero. In the adjoining Oceaneer Lab, which skews a little older, there are learning opportunities via science experiments, cooking lessons and more.
Tweens (ages 11-14) and teens (ages 14-17) will be thrilled by the spaces devoted just to them. Vibe — a teen space that was overhauled during the refurb — is lofty and sunny, with chill-out couches, a cappuccino machine and fun activities like flash mob performances. The tween space, Edge, has an ocean theme, video games and cool, age-appropriate programming. There’s also a dedicated Chill Spa for teens at Senses Spa & Salon.
Water Features
One of the highlights that was added during the ship’s last refurb is AquaDunk, a thrilling 37-foot-tall waterslide that juts out over the ship’s edge. There’s a height requirement on this slide, but little ones stay entertained in the AquaLab, an outdoor splash park with mini waterslides and fountains.
And lest you get bored: the Disney Magic also offers plenty of activities around the ship, held at any moment of the day, from game shows to talent nights.
At Animator’s Palate, the room comes to life as guests are immersed in the wonder of Disney animation during magical interactive dinner shows. (Jimmy DeFlippo, photographer)
Dining Options
Disney offers a rotational dining system, where your family is assigned a dining time and a dedicated wait staff, moving to a different restaurant each night. On every cruise, diners will have a chance to check out Rapunzel’s Royal Table at least once. The main dining room, Lumiere’s, has a subtle Beauty and the Beast theme. Animator’s Palate is a livelier setting that transforms from a black-and-white space to a full-on Technicolor dream over the course of the meal. It’s a moving experience, but we don’t want to give away too much.
This wouldn’t be cruising without a buffet, and Cabanas delivers with multiple food stations; it’s open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night snacks. At other times of the day, a trio of takeaway spots on Deck 9 (Pete’s Boiler Bites, Pinocchio’s Pizzeria, Daisy’s De-Lites) serve up quick bites, from pizza to salads.
The dining options can be limited in between proper mealtimes, but you won’t go hungry: Disney offers 24-hour room service delivered free to your cabin.
Reserved exclusively for guests 18 and older, Quiet Cove Pool on the Disney Magic is a retreat for adults to relax and unwind. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)
Adults-Only Spaces
It’s hard to imagine coming on a ship like this without kids, but Disney wants to make sure everyone is happy on their vacation, so there are plenty of kid-free zones. The Quiet Cove Pool is just that in the morning — a serene, spa-like oasis — but come afternoon, musicians appear, transforming it into a clubby party scene.
Next to the Quiet Cove Pool is the Cove Café, which has been overhauled during the refurb with a retro tropical style that feels like a sultry nightclub in old Havana. The café offers specialty coffees (for a fee) throughout the day, as well as a full bar and free light bites. Nearby is the Signals Bar, a happening spot with a similar Cuban-inspired vibe.
Another addition to the Magic: a redesigned Rainforest Room in the Senses Spa & Salon, with multiple hydrotherapy options like a misty shower scented with eucalyptus.
In addition to glamorous dinners, Disney Cruise Line’s signature Italian restaurant, Palo, now offers an elaborate brunch spread, complete with splurges like caviar that justify the $35 per person add-on fee. Trust us: It’s worth dropping the kids off at the Oceaneer Club for an afternoon or evening repast.
Staterooms on the Disney Magic are designed with nautical décor and plenty of usable space. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)
Family Cabins
Like all of Disney’s cruise ships, guests will find well-designed staterooms that offer ample space for families, including bunk beds that pull down at night. There’s plenty of storage, from under-bed space to drawers and shelves cleverly tucked away everywhere.
If you don’t want to splurge on an ocean-view verandah, don’t despair: Even the inner staterooms feel open and airy. Another Disney Cruise Line signature design touch we love: Nearly every stateroom has separate rooms for the toilet and the shower-slash-bath, complete with sinks in each. Trust us, having two bathroom sinks is helpful for a family traveling together.
Where to Go
The Disney Magic sails the Caribbean in the winter and early spring before heading to Europe in May on a transatlantic crossing from Miami to Barcelona. She then spends the summer months exploring Europe (the Mediterranean, Norway, Iceland, Denmark, the U.K.) before coming back to North America in September. After a few months sailing around New York, Bermuda and Canada, the Magic returns to the Caribbean waters in November. Many of its Caribbean sailings depart from Miami and include a stop at the line’s private island, Castaway Cay, which extends plenty of Disney-style fun to the Bahamian shores.