disney cruise magic review

Disney Magic review: What it's like to sail the original Disney ship 25 years later

If cars are often considered classics after 25 years, how does that translate to a popular cruise ship that is sailing toward its 25th birthday?

Having sailed on Disney Cruise Line's newest ship, Disney Wish , which is still in its first year of operations, along with both Disney Dream and Disney Wonder , I was curious how my family would find things on the oldest ship in Disney's fleet: Disney Magic.

Believe it or not, it's been almost 25 years since Magic first set sail in 1998, so it truly is an older ship by U.S. cruise line standards.

However, age is just a number, as they say, so I was excited to experience the Disney ship that started it all. After more than two decades of service, would it be a timeless classic or a less-impressive version of the younger and bigger Disney ships?

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On a chilly January morning, my family and I packed our Mickey ears and made the two-hour drive to the ship's winter home port of Galveston, Texas, ready to find out how Disney Magic stands up to the other ships in the fleet.

How old is Disney Magic?

Disney Magic set sail on its maiden voyage July 30, 1998, from Florida to the Bahamas. However, the ship has had work done over the years, and not every piece of it is rapidly approaching 25 years old.

For example, some elements of the ship are just 5 years old because they were added or revamped during Magic's last dry dock, when the cruise line took the opportunity to make some upgrades.

Updated attractions include the teen club Vibe, the adults-only coffee shop Cove Cave and the only "Tangled-" themed restaurant on the ocean: Rapunzel's Royal Table.

Dry-dock refurbishments are a pretty routine occurrence, taking place every five years or so. That means the ship isn't stuck in a 1998 time warp.

Instead, it's quite similar in many ways to all its fleetmates except Disney Wish, which is really a part of the next generation of Disney ships rather than a continuation of the look and feel of the first four.

In other words, don't let the age of Disney Magic scare you.

Related: 26 tips and tricks for sailing with Disney Cruise Line

The size of Disney Magic

Disney Magic may be the oldest (and tied with Disney Wonder for the fleet's smallest ship), but it's still a large ship at 11 decks high and 984 feet long. The 875-cabin vessel holds 3,658 passengers — 2,713 cruisers and about 945 crew members.

The ship features two theaters, five kids clubs, a spa, four restaurants (plus a buffet and quick-service food stalls) and three pools. In other words, you'll stay busy exploring and enjoying the ship for at least several days.

Restaurants and food on Disney Magic

Disney Magic debuted the cruise line's rotational dining system, which is unique in the cruise industry.

Throughout the cruise, passengers rotate through three complimentary dining venues, and your serving team joins you in the different restaurants each night. Other dining options include the extra-fee, adults-only restaurant, Disney Cruise Line's dedicated Italian restaurant. There are also casual grab-and-go venues on the pool deck.

Rapunzel's Royal Table

My favorite of the three included rotational restaurants is Rapunzel's Royal Table, found only on Disney Magic. Here, you get the unique experience of attending Rapunzel's birthday celebration.

Floating lanterns dot the ceiling, and some of the stars of "Tangled" perform a musical show on a central stage while you dine. Eventually, many of the characters work their way around the room, so you can say hi to the movie's villains and heroes. This dinner show was most similar to the Tiana-themed restaurant on Disney Wonder, which is also excellent.

Pro tip: Get the shrimp appetizer if you enjoy seafood — get two if you really enjoy seafood.

Lumiere's

The most non-descript of the three main dining rooms on Disney Magic is Lumiere's, which is "Beauty and the Beast" inspired. However, you'll only know that from the roses on the ceiling and the painting on one wall.

Otherwise, it's just a large restaurant that gives off major art deco vibes. If you need to miss a restaurant in favor of a meal at Palo or relaxing in your room, I'd pick this one as it's the most generic of the three.

Animator's Palate

All original four Disney ships have a version of Animator's Palate, though it varies a bit on each ship.

The one on Disney Magic starts in black and white, but the room and the wait staff gain colorful adornments throughout the course of the meal. A special guest makes an appearance during the grand finale, which is when things really transform into full color, accompanied with exciting music and special effects.

The special guest (spoiler alert: Mickey in his rarely worn Sorcerer's Apprentice outfit) dances his way all around the room, so have your camera ready.

Our turn in Animator's Palate happened on the final night of our cruise, so the entire wait staff came out for a round of well-deserved applause with Mickey, and it was honestly pretty emotional.

You do not want to leave early from this meal, so order extra dessert if you must and stay put until the end.

The most popular dish here may be the black truffle pasta purseittes appetizer, as it has quite the following, though it wasn't my personal favorite. The smoked salmon tartar and vegetarian black bean chipotle cakes were the hits at our table.

The best $45 you can spend onboard a Disney cruise , to me, is unquestionably a meal at Palo.

This adults-only restaurant is open for brunch and dinner, and you can't go wrong with either. There are sometimes last-minute openings. However, this is one meal you'll want to book as far out as possible as it's popular and has limited seating.

This is the only restaurant on Disney Magic where food costs extra, but the cost is reasonable for what you get. The essentially all-you-want-to-enjoy brunch costs $45 with can't-miss items such as chicken Parmesan, wild mushroom ravioli, a seafood antipasti plate and chocolate souffle, along with flatbreads, omelets, waffles and more.

Favorite grab-and-go spots

Out on deck, you'll also find many grab-and-go outlets, which are also included in your cruise fare. These venues serve up such basics as soft serve ice cream, pizza, fries and chicken tenders, but two of these fast-food stations were surprise hits.

Daisy's De Lites mainly offers fruits, salads and cookies, but it also has a build-your-own chicken and rice bowl that was absolutely fantastic. Load your bowl up with everything on offer for the best results.

Another nice surprise was the Duck-In Diner counter that served pita, hummus and gyros — a welcome change from the admittedly also-delicious kid staples of tenders and fries.

Related: 7 ways Disney Wish surprised me

Waterslide on Disney Magic

If you want a thrilling ride on a Disney ship, by far, the winner in that category is found on Disney Magic with its mildly terrifying AquaDunk.

Where the new AquaMouse on Disney Wish is cute and family-friendly, the AquaDunk is something else entirely, making it an alluring attraction for the tween and teen crew.

On this waterslide, you stand in a booth at the highest point on the ship. When it's your turn, the floor drops out beneath you, and you fall 40 feet only to be shot about 18 feet out over the side of the ship.

For this slide, not only do you have to be at least 4 feet tall, but you have to be OK with climbing into an enclosed capsule, having the door shut, hearing that countdown and then dropping and getting soaked.

I tried it once, and that was enough for me to say I've done it. If that's too intense for you or your kids, don't worry. There's a more traditional waterslide on Disney Magic, too. The Twist 'n' Spout slide by the AquaLab was the favorite spot for my 7-year-old.

Related: The best cruise ship waterslides and watery fun zones

Pools on Disney Magic

Disney Magic has a lot of strengths, but the pools are pretty basic.

Options include the AquaLab pool, Goofy's main pool between the two funnels, a small splash area and the adult pool area. If you go during off hours, such as early or late in the day, it's a great experience. However, the pools aren't nearly large enough for the popularity of a midday swim.

The adult pool area was my personal favorite of the three pools, though it's not nearly as cool looking as the infinity pool on Disney Wish.

In the interest of setting realistic expectations, expect pools to look much more like this (or worse) during the heat of the day.

Kid clubs on Disney Magic

Small world nursery.

While most of the kid clubs on Disney cruises are included, the one exception across all the ships is for the Small World Nursery. It's available for little ones from 6 months to 3 years old at a rate of $4.50 per half hour. This was a relatively basic space compared to the other kid clubs, but this age range is the easiest to impress.

Pro tip: There is a one-way mirror so you can check on your little one without them seeing you.

Oceaneer's Club and Lab

The heart of Disney Cruise Line's kid clubs are the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab, which are connected and available to kids from ages 3 to 12 who are potty trained. Here, you'll find a "Toy Story-" themed slide, crafts, video games, organized activities, competitions, an Avenger's area and more.

Kids can enjoy free play or color, play video games or go on the slide at their own pace, but the youth staff also lead frequent group activities throughout the day. These may be a better fit for kids who need a little more support and structure to their fun.

My 7-year-old would consistently eat her dinner as fast as possible to head here and keep playing.

There's no fee and no reservations required to come and play in these clubs. However, you will need to get a Magic Band from the kids club that is used to track the kiddos while they are in the clubs. If you return it on the last night of the cruise, you won't be charged for its use.

Once your kiddo turns 11 (or 10 with parent permission and enough space), they can start visiting Edge, which has a submarine-under-the-sea look on Disney Magic.

It's nearly identical to the Edge club on Disney Wonder. Youth staff lead organized activities and games in Edge at certain times during the day, but it also serves as a casual tween hangout spot the rest of the time.

The teen club, Vibe, is open for to those ages 14 to 17, though you can get in a year early with parent permission, which is what my 13-year-old chose. Both Vibe and Edge are come-and-go clubs that don't scan your kids in and out or track them with any sort of band.

The youth staff offer some structured games and activities, but Vibe is largely a place to hang out, play video games and get to know other teens.

Pro tip: If your teen wants to make friends on the ship, have them be active and present in the teen club on the first day when there are ice-breaker activities. Lots of unofficial cruise packs of friends form on day one, and then the teens roam the ship together, not necessarily hanging out in the club.

Related: These are the best cruises for teens

Rooms on Disney Magic

I'm sure there are some differences among the cabins on Disney Magic, Wonder, Dream and Fantasy, but they all look the same to me.

The decor is heavy on navy, white, stripes and wood. Below is our cabin on Magic, which slept the three of us comfortably with the couch converting to a single bed. Unlike in some cabins we've had, this one did not have a bed that came down from the ceiling.

It did feature the split bathroom design Disney Cruise Line is known for. One small bathroom contains the sink and toilet, and a separate little room has another sink and a tub/shower combo. The layout is ideal for getting multiple people ready for the day or for bed at the same time.

Here's a look at our most recent cabin on Disney Dream, as a contrast to Disney Magic (or lack of contrast, as the case may be).

Related: Inside a $10,000 suite on Disney Wish

Adult areas on Disney Magic

In keeping with the approach on the other original Disney ships, the adult bars and lounges on Disney Magic are largely clustered in the same area dubbed After Hours.

Here you'll find Keys, a piano bar and lounge with some top-notch whiskey; O'Gills Pub, which is a great place for a pint or to watch sports; and Fathoms, which is a mixed-use lounge that often serves as a meeting point for excursions or family-friendly activities during the day and as a club at night.

I enjoyed listening to a few songs in Keys after dinner a few nights. However, none of these spaces were fully my cup of tea, mainly because they were dark and not super inviting.

Also, the lounges' layouts were not conducive to social interaction among the guests due to an emphasis on clustered seating rather than communal bar space. Or, maybe it's just the luck of the draw, and the cruisers on Disney Magic were less interested in chatting with their shipmates than on my previous cruise on Disney Wish.

The unexpected upside of this was that I did not feel like I was missing out by ditching the bars for my room, where I could enjoy a glass of wine on my balcony.

Pro tip: This adult area of the ship is where you will find the most comfortable port holes for photos, reading a book or relaxing and enjoying the ride at sea.

Related: 5 reasons why Disney cruises aren't just for kids

Shows on Disney Magic

If you ever get the chance to sail on Disney Magic — or any of the Disney ships — don't miss the Sail Away party that takes place shortly after the muster drill as the ship pulls out to sea. It's the most fun way to kick your vacation into high gear. Arrive a few minutes early to get a spot by the stage, especially if you have little kids.

Disney Magic, like the other Disney ships, has a movie theater where you can see first-run Disney movies. Since there is only one movie theater on Magic, it offers a smaller choice of movies than on the ships with two theaters, but it's still a nice selection.

The evening Broadway-caliber shows currently on Disney Magic are:

• "Tangled: The Musical."
• "Disney Dreams — An Enchanted Classic."
• "Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story."

We skipped "Disney Dreams," as it was a repeat of what we'd seen on Disney Wonder. However, all of these shows are worth seeing, with "Tangled" the strongest of the three offerings. "Tangled" and "Twice Charmed" are unique to Disney Magic, in case you need to prioritize.

Fewer temptations to spend money on Disney Magic

On the new Disney Wish, I found an abundance of temptations to spend money around every turn.

These included alcoholic popsicle drinks, the ice cream shop the kids passed multiple times per day (with see-through glass walls, naturally), the Star Wars-themed bar that jumps through hyperspace , the Bayou with pay-to-eat beignets, Nightingale's next to the kid's club with the cocktails served in balls of ice, the coffee and cocktails in the ship's version of a buffet, Marceline Market and so many other fun and enticing ways to part with your dollars.

While Disney Magic does not lack places to buy a cocktail, it does not have a sweet shop, Untangled hair salon, Hook's Barbery with the "hidden" drink cabinet or specialty snacks like beignets that aren't included in your cruise fare.

I found it easier than on Wish to simply enjoy what comes with the experience instead of feeling like you need to spend $10, $20, $50 or more several times a day to get the full experience.

Related: How to save money on a Disney cruise

How I wish they'd make Magic more magical

I'd love for Disney Magic to add a slide into the kids club, a brighter and airier spa and some other elements of Disney Wish that we liked, but that's easier said than done. I do have a shorter list of more realistic upgrades I'd love to see on Disney Magic in the coming years.

This original Disney ship would benefit from at least one brighter bar or lounge, as the ship can feel cavernous at times. As I mentioned, for me, the bars weren't inviting spaces when compared to my own cabin's balcony. This is in stark contrast to all the beautiful bars and lounges on Wish I was excited to spend time in.

It would also be a real plus if Disney Magic integrated a magical scavenger hunt type of activity that you see on other Disney ships. This would layer in one more thing for the kids to do on a sea day or between other activities.

Also, this is personal preference, but while I enjoy and appreciate the bold nautical theme of the classic Disney ships, I do think there's a way to pull that off without the striped decor in the staterooms that may have sailed a touch passed its prime.

Here's a view of a Disney Wish cabin, showing the updated decor I'd love to see on Disney Magic. It retains the deep blue but steps away from the dated stripes.

Related: The 3 types of Disney Cruise Line ships, explained

Overall impressions

Disney Magic was a fun and thoroughly enjoyable ship. It doesn't feel old, but it is smaller and a touch more quaint than the line's newest ships.

The ship's smaller footprint with fewer onboard temptations to spend money can be a benefit in that it's easier to get around and just enjoy — not only the ship but also where it's going.

Without all the pay-to-enjoy distractions, my family went to more of the gameshows, spent more time at the pools or reading on the balcony and even watched the baby crawling races, which sound bizarre but are very entertaining.

I would not hesitate to sail on Disney Magic again in its 25th year or in the future — no matter how many newer and bigger Disney cruise ships make their debuts.

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Accommodations

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There’s certainly something MAGICAL about sailing with Disney Cruise Line …

That is true no matter which of the fleet’s five ships you board for your voyage. (BTW, and that fleet will grow to EIGHT with the upcoming additions of the Disney Treasure , the Disney Destiny , and the Disney Adventure !) Here, though, we’re exploring the one that started it all — the OG Disney Cruise Line ship. This is the Ultimate Guide to Cruising on the Disney Magic !

From bow to stern, let’s explore everything you and your traveling crew can experience and enjoy on Disney Cruise Line’s FIRST ship!

Disney Magic Overview

The Disney Magic took her Maiden Voyage with passengers on July 30, 1998, bringing Disney characters, Disney stories, and — of course! — Disney MAGIC to the seas!

The Magic was joined by her sister ship, the Disney Wonder , in August of 1999. Together, these two vessels are Disney Cruise Line’s Classic ships.

In size and structure (with 11 Decks and 875 Staterooms) as well as passenger capacity (2,713 passengers), the Magic is similar to the Disney Wonder. These two Classic ships are the smallest of the fleet. But that certainly doesn’t mean they’re lacking one ounce of fun and adventure!

A hallmark of a Disney Cruise Line ship is a statue of a beloved Disney character taking pride of place in the ship’s Atrium, welcoming guests aboard.

On the Magic, that character is none other than Helmsman Mickey!

Beyond the similarities mentioned above, the Wonder and the Magic each have distinguishing features all their own… and one of those is WHERE the ships sail.

Disney Magic Destinations

The Disney Magic currently offers itineraries with cruise lengths ranging from 3 to 10 nights.

From Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the Magic offers Bahamian and Western Caribbean voyages. Select Bahamian sailings depart from Port Canaveral, as well.  It’s worth noting that, starting this summer, some of the Magic’s Bahamian cruises will visit Disney’s upcoming island destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point !

Many of those same sailings will stop at Disney’s beloved Castaway Cay , too!

The Magic also sails out of Galveston, Texas to the Western Caribbean. And two sailings from San Juan will visit the Southern Caribbean. An Eastern Caribbean voyage will sail from San Juan, as well. A wonderfully lengthy 10-night sailing will depart from Port Canaveral to the Eastern Caribbean in the summer of 2025. (And, yes, I am JEALOUS of those sailing on it!)

In fact, Disney Cruise Line recently released its Summer 2025 itineraries, and you can check them out here !

Click HERE to see the Summer 2025 Disney Cruise Line itineraries!

Disney magic entertainment.

The entertainment that’s unique to Disney Cruise Line kicks off RIGHT AWAY as your cruise begins with Mickey’s Sail-A-Wave Party.

When I say “unique to Disney Cruise Line,” that’s because the pals joining you in the entertainment throughout the voyage are none other than Disney characters !

Select sailings also present Disney Cruise Line’s famous Pirate Night Deck Party complete with Fireworks at Sea!

You may also experience the Frozen Deck Party on select itineraries.

And although we don’t really want to talk about the end of your cruise just yet, it’s worth noting that the last night of your voyage features the ‘Til We Meet Again Party in the ship’s Atrium.

But when it comes to entertainment options, Disney Cruise Line may be best known for its Broadway-style productions — presented in the Walt Disney Theatre — that tie in characters, beloved stories, and treasured music from the Disney films.

Guests on the Disney Magic can enjoy three shows, including Tangled: The Musical. 

This live retelling of Tangled presents characters from the film you know and love (including stunning puppetry that brings Maximus to life before your eyes), and sets that deliver the Snuggly Duckling Tavern right to you! You’ll also hear familiar tunes including “I See the Light.” 

But there are also THREE new songs that were written for this stage production: “Flower of Gold,” “Wanted Man” and “When the Princess Returns.”

Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story is exactly that: a TWIST on the beloved tale of Cinderella which picks up the story beyond the “Happily Ever After” at the end of the classic animated film.

As the Disney Cruise Line website shares: “In this musical, the story revolves around the premise: What if Cinderella never got a chance to slip on the glass slipper, leaving those nasty stepsisters with another chance to get their claws into Prince Charming?”

While Tangled: The Musical and Twice Charmed each put the focus on a specific Disney Story, Disney Dreams — An Enchanted Classic brings together oodles and oodles of Disney stories, characters, and signature songs!

In Disney Dreams, which Disney shares is a “musical about the power of dreams and family,” you’ll see familiar friends from Peter Pan, Aladdin, Cinderella , and Pinocchio . (Oh, and a certain fairy makes an appearance, too!)

P.S. You can pay a visit to Preludes before the show to pick up some popcorn (or perhaps a cocktail) to enjoy in the theatre!

Disney Magic Water Features

Looking for more family fun? There are LOTS of ways that passengers of all ages can MAKE A SPLASH on Deck 9 (and upwards!) of the Disney Magic. 

Water areas for all ages include Goofy’s Pool and my personal favorite thing EVER, the Twist ‘n’ Spout water slide. (Why should kids get all the slides, huh? 😉 )

Speaking of slides, I have a confession to make: I have yet to brave the AquaDunk , which is exclusive to the Disney Magic! This enclosed body slide (which requires that passengers be at least 48 inches tall to ride) presents a true 3-story PLUNGE that even goes over the side of the ship!

I did, however, climb the stairs to the “launch” area on Deck 13 before I changed my mind, sooo …  PROGRESS! In all seriousness, this one is definitely for the thrill seekers out there, who are sure to have a blast!

Little ones have a splash space of their own with the Huey, Dewey, and Louie-themed AquaLab. This interactive play area is custom-made for sailors ages 3 and older , while the Nephew’s Splash Zone is dedicated to ages 3 and under .

For a more peaceful respite, the Quiet Cove Pool is reserved for guests over 18 years of age only. In addition to the pool (and its accompanying whirlpool spas), passengers in this exclusive area can visit Signals pool bar or sip on a specialty coffee or tea at the Cove Cafe .

Disney Magic Dining

Okay, now we’re REALLY talking… it’s time to chat about FOOD! The Disney Magic presents a wide array of options, starting with a Disney Cruise Line signature: Rotational Dining!

Rotational Dining means that guests have the chance to enjoy dinner at ALL THREE of the ships main dining rooms, each with their own theme and specialty menus on select nights. The best part is that, as you move to a different restaurant each evening, so do your servers! They “rotate” right along with you so they can get to know your group’s dining preferences.

The three Rotational Dining restaurants on the Disney Magic are Animator’s Palate, Lumiere’s and Rapunzel’s Royal Table.

Lumiere’s presents French cuisine for its specialty menu, served in a “Beauty and the Beast” -inspired setting… complete with roses that have dropped their petals intermingling with lighting on the ceiling.

Animator’s Palate is an innovative restaurant where the show is drawings coming to life on screens all around you. You may experience two different shows, depending on the length of your cruise.

Drawn to Magic is led by Sorcerer Mickey and displays the evolution of animation while guests dine on Pacific Island fusion cuisine. On 7-night and longer sailings, Animation Magic invites guests to draw their own characters and see them come alive in the restaurant.

Rapunzel’s Royal Table is exclusive to the Disney Magic, and not only is it a restaurant…

It’s also a Dinner Show on one evening of your voyage! When you dine at Rapunzel’s Royal Table, YOU are a guest at a banquet to celebrate Rapunzel’s birthday AND the anniversary of her return to the kingdom of Corona.

“Blondie” herself, along with Flynn Rider, and a few of the Snuggly Duckling Thugs make appearances and entertain you throughout your meal.

Be aware that, in addition to evening dinner, one or more of the Rotational Dining restaurants may be open to serve a table service breakfast or lunch.

A number of other options are available throughout the day, as well. Cabanas hosts a massive buffet for both breakfast and lunch. Help yourself!

Also on Deck 9, several Quick Service options serve classics like burgers, hot dogs, chicken strips and fries ( Duck-In Diner ), pizza ( Pinocchio’s Pizzeria ) and healthier fare like salads and sandwiches ( Daisy De-Lites ).

P.S. Don’t forget to follow up any and all of that with some soft-serve ice cream at Eye Scream Treats ! You can also stop by Frozone Treats to enjoy a cooling fruit smoothie for an extra charge.

Still hungry 😉 ? Well, we’ve got some great news: the majority of items available on the Room Service menu are INCLUDED with your Disney Cruise!

Even with all that, we’re not quite done with dining options just yet…

Disney Magic Adult Spaces

In addition to the Quiet Cove mentioned above, the Disney Magic also offers more areas reserved just for grown-ups. These include the fine dining restaurant, Palo , which may be booked for dinner for an additional charge per adult.

Additionally, the famous Palo Brunch is available for booking during sea days! This option is incredibly popular, so advance booking through your Disney Cruise Line account is recommended.

Be aware, as well, that Palo does have a dress code. The Disney Cruise Line website states: “ Formal or semi-formal attire is recommended. Also permitted is dress-casual attire with a polished look, such as dress pants, jeans in good condition, collared shirts, dressy tops and lifestyle shoes. For brunch at Palo and Palo Steakhouse, dress shorts are acceptable. Clothing such as T-shirts, swimwear and sports attire are not permitted.”

There is also the After Hours district, featuring three lounges for adults.

These are O’Gills Pub (an Irish pub-meets-sports-bar), Keys (piano bar), and Fathoms which, in addition to bar service also presents adult entertainment such as comedians, karaoke, and dancing for late-night options.

And the new Soul Cat Lounge brings a New York City jazz lounge to the high seas!

This Soul -inspired spot presents live music and offers a full bar that “serves up Manhattans, martinis and other Empire City-inspired craft cocktails.”

Adults might also opt to participate in a Mixology Class or  Beverage Tasting Seminar ! Featured liqueur and cocktail options include — but aren’t limited to — rum, tequila and margaritas, whiskey, champagne tastings, and more.

These fun opportunities are offered for an additional fee, and advance booking is highly recommended.  (Seriously… these seminars are POPULAR!)

The Senses Spa & Salon offers a wide array of services and treatments. (And the Rainforest Room provides an especially relaxing oasis!) Select experiences are available for pre-booking, and you can stop by Senses to inquire about prices for the Rainforest Room and other treatments during your cruise. And the adjacent Fitness Center offers workout machines and classes.

And though this is not limited to adults, keep in mind that if you’d like to get a jog or two in, Deck 4 hosts a walking track!

Disney Magic Kids Clubs and Experiences

Now let’s turn our attention to areas on the ship dedicated to children, offering experiences tailored for ages from infants to teens!

Deck 5 is home to the It’s a Small World Nursery for ages 6 months to 3 years old .

The same deck also hosts Disney’s Oceaneer Club AND Disney’s Oceaneer Lab for ages 3 to 10 . What’s the difference between the two?

Well, the Oceaneer Lab presents opportunities for learning fun, the Oceaneer Club features activities such as character experiences, story time, and play areas. (There are also specific guided activities for the littlest ones, ages 3 and 4.)

On the Magic, the Oceaneer Club features the following playful spaces: Andy’s Room (that’s Andy from Toy Story ), Marvel Super Hero Academy, Disney Junior, and Pixie Hollow.

The Oceaneer Lab , meanwhile, presents the following play spaces: Animator’s Studio, Captain’s Workshop, Craft Studio, and The Wheelhouse (for “captains in training”)!

The spaces are connected so kids can enjoy all of the areas, and Youth Activities counselors are present at all times. Parents will want to know that spaces for your child can be pre-registered via your Disney Cruise Line account, and registration may also take place onboard the ship.

Tweens (ages 11 to 14) can gather at the Edge on Deck 9 to hang out, watch movies, play games and make friends during group activities with fun Disney counselors and more!

Vibe  offers cruisers ages 14 to 17 similar activities geared to their age group, or simply a place to chill. And you want to know something really cool?

Vibe is located in the ship’s Forward Funnel!

We’ve got one more thing to mention, though it’s not a club, per se. For an extra fee, your little Prince or Princess age 3 to 12 can get a makeover at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique ! Disney Princess, knight, and sea captain-themed packages are available… and there’s an exclusive makeover for Pirate Party Nights!

Disney Magic Activities

Okay, now we’ve all spent some time with our own age groups. How about getting the whole gang back together for some fun? The Magic has got the family covered. D Lounge is the place to be for fun events like family game shows and trivia, dance parties and more!

Catch a movie on the big screen at the Buena Vista Theatre ! You might choose to watch a Disney animated classic, or maybe a Star Wars or Marvel flick. You never know… your sailing just might feature a first-run Disney feature film at sea! ( “Funnel Vision” on the pool deck shows movies on the big screen, too!)

You can find basketball courts and ping-pong tables on the Wide World of Sports Deck . But don’t look for shuffleboard here… that’s on Deck 4. 😉

Let’s see… it feels like I’m forgetting something… OH, YEAH! You can meet, hug, get autographs from and pose for pictures with your favorite DISNEY PALS !

Sailing with you are the Fab Five (that’s Mickey and the gang), Disney Princesses, friends from Frozen , and more! Be aware that, while all Character Greetings are included with your cruise, select Greeting times (such as Princess Gatherings) may require advance booking.

Disney Magic Staterooms

The Disney Magic offers four categories of staterooms: Inside, Oceanview, Verandah, and Concierge . Many of the rooms feature Disney’s innovative split bathroom which allows more guests in a cabin the chance to get ready at one time.

While each category boasts amenities such as premium mattresses and linens, a 22″ LCD flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, and a surprising amount of storage space, there are many more details to explore among the varying categories, so we’ve dedicated a page to those options here .

Looking for ALL the Stateroom details for the Disney Magic? Click HERE!

Disney cruise line navigator app.

Whew! As you can tell, there’s a LOT happening on the Disney Magic! To keep track of what’s happening when and where, be sure to download the free Disney Cruise Line Navigator app before your cruise.

This is where you can easily find ALL of the activities mentioned throughout this post, book select experiences, check out menus for the ship’s dining locations, and MUCH more!

Are you ready to set sail on the Disney Magic?  If you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at  Mouse Fan Travel.  They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!

Join the AllEars.net Newsletter  to get the free list of 50 tips for going on a Disney Cruise! Click here to get started!

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Disney Magic Deck Plans & Reviews

Disney Magic

Activities & entertainment

• ConnectATSea *
• Its a Small World Nursery
• Disneys Oceaneer Club
• Disneys Oceaneer Lab
• Edge _ Tweens Club
• Vibe _ Teens Club
• Senses Spa and Salon *
• Senses Rainforest Room *
• Senses Treatment Salons *
• Spa Villas *
• Chill Spa *
• Nephews Splash Zone
• Wide World of Sports Deck
• Sports Court
• Character Events
• Fitness Center
• Fitness Classes
• Jogging Track
• Arts and Crafts Classes
• Deck Parties
• Scavenger Hunts
• Dance Parties
• Extensive Kids Programs
• Pin Trading
• Sing_Alongs
• Video Game Competitions
• Adults_Only Events
• Whirlpools (4)
• Waterslides (2)
• Twist n Spout
• Guest Services
• Port Adventures *
• Disney Vacation Planning *
• Disney Vacation Club Desk
• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique *
• Retail Shops *
• Vista Gallery *
• Shutters Portrait Studio *
• Concierge Lounge _ Suite Guests
• Medical Center
• Walt Disney Theatre
• Buena Vista Theatre
• Disney Movies Onboard
• Funnel Vision
• Stage Shows
• Nightly Live Music
• Lumieres - Rotational Main
• Rapunzels Royal Table - Rotational Main
• Animators Palate - Rotational Main
• Cabanas - Buffet
• Keys - Piano Bar *
• OGills Pub - Pub *
• Preludes Bar - Theater Snacks *
• Signals Bar - Pool Bar *
• Beverage Station - Soft Drinks
• Frozone Treats_Eye Scream - Ice Cream
• Daisys De_Lites - Light Fare
• Pinocchios Pizzeria - Pizza
• Cove Cafe - Coffee Bar *
• Duck_In Diner - Fast Food
• Palo - Italian *
• Promenade Lounge - Popular Bar *
• Room Service
• Excellent 67
• Very Good 11
• Terrible 11
• All languages ( 101 )
• English ( 100 )
• Spanish ( 1 )

Upcoming itineraries

Disney Magic Cruise Ship: Complete Guide

It might be the first Disney Cruise ship, but thanks to continued updates (plus a major refurbishment in 2013), the Disney Magic is still a great ship. Onboard you’ll find spacious guest rooms, ample dining, lots of lively activities and entertainment, and plenty of places to relax and enjoy the open ocean. Here’s our complete guide to the Disney Magic Cruise Ship.

Prefer to Speak to Someone?  Vacationeers Are Standing By!

In This Guide:

• Ship Overview
• Rotational Dining
• Adult-Exclusive Dining
• Casual Dining
• Lounges, Bars & Snacks
• Room Service
• Pools & Splash Pads
• Oceaneer Club
• Oceaneer Lab
• Broadway-Style Shows
• Pirate Night / Fireworks
• Spa & Salons
• Itineraries & Ports
• Deck-By-Deck Guide
• How To Book

Disney Magic Ship Overview

Image © Disney

The Disney Magic is the cruise ship that started it all for Disney Cruise Line. With its maiden voyage in 1998, the world was introduced to an entirely different kind of cruising. In an industry that seems to be increasingly focused on mind-numbingly huge mega ships boasting roller coasters, bumper cars, and casinos , the Disney Magic holds its own and offers a unique experience that – while perhaps a bit more low-key – still has something to entertain the entire family.

After stepping onboard to the applause of the Crew and your fellow passengers, you’re immediately enveloped in the grand atrium of the ship, where a statue of Helmsman Mickey makes a popular photo spot. A glance around reveals art deco touches and hints of the sea itself, all invoking the early days of seafaring ocean liners.

How is Disney Magic Different From Other Disney Cruise Ships?

As the first-ever ship for Disney Cruise Line, the Disney Magic broke all kinds of long-standing norms for the cruise industry – introducing fireworks at sea, rotational dining, and many more innovations.

Now, with five ships in the fleet and more Disney Cruise ships under construction , you might think the Magic is a relic of the past. Not so.

The ship receives frequent updates, most recently in 2023 with the addition of a new lounge onboard. Its biggest upgrades came in 2013 when the ship underwent an overhaul so massive that they actually had to put in additional buoyancy capabilities to handle the added weight!

Thanks to this kind of attention, the Magic still has plenty of innovations and unique experiences that can only be found onboard this ship. For example, it’s the only Disney cruise ship on which you’ll find the AquaDunk drop-style water slide (added during the ship’s 2013 “re-imagination”).

The Disney Magic is a sister ship to the Disney Wonder , meaning the two are relatively equal in terms of construction (though similar areas on each ship are themed differently from one another). They’re the smallest ships in the fleet, easily outsized by other Disney ships.

Does the Smaller Size Make Disney Magic Better or Worse?

There are pros and cons to both types of ships, but it’s really going to come down to personal preference.

The smaller size of the Disney Magic means it’s much easier to navigate on foot – you’re just a short walk away from virtually any point on the ship. My wife and I prefer smaller ships such as the Magic for this very reason — it’s great to know that we can get pretty much anywhere onboard with a 5-10 minute walk and not be exhausted when we get there.

On the larger ships, I feel like I have to factor in “commute time” for dinner and shows. For the Disney Magic, it feels like I’m just walking around the corner. This makes the Disney Magic a great option for your first-ever Disney Cruise — it might not feel quite as overwhelming as a larger ship could.

This smaller ship is also able to visit ports that are inaccessible to larger ships, so you’re able to experience some fun itineraries and ports you might not be able to visit on a larger ship. In years past, the Disney Magic would actually sail straight right past the Doge’s Palace in Venice, Italy! (Cruise ships have since been prohibited from doing so, but it certainly was a sight back in the day.)

The Disney Magic has never really felt “small” to me — just “small in comparison.” If you’re more-accustomed to mega ships, you might prefer other Disney ships such as the Disney Dream , Disney Fantasy , or Disney Wish ; on the other hand, you might appreciate the easier access to everything that comes with a smaller ship. It’s worth noting that while the larger Disney ships tend to upsize everything — meaning that theatres, dining rooms, and pools might be bigger — most of the ships still have relatively equal offerings. As an example, the Magic (smaller) and Dream (larger) both have three major restaurants, a night club district, kids clubs, pools, waterslides, a water ride, a spa, and live shows — just with differences in size, layout, and theming.

Jump To: Overview   |  Staterooms   |  Dining   |  Water Fun   |  Kids Clubs   |  Entertainment   |  Spa & Salons   |  Itineraries & Ports   |  Deck-by-Deck   |  Fact Sheet   |  How To Book

Disney Magic Staterooms

Let’s first focus on your own private room onboard the ship. Your stateroom (passenger cabin) is essentially your hotel room at sea, so it’s an important choice to make!

The Disney Magic has 875 staterooms, most of which offer an outside view via either a porthole window or a verandah balcony. Staterooms on the ship are divided into four primary types of rooms; each of those four types is further divided into multiple categories and subcategories. The type of room you choose is one of the biggest factors in the price of your cruise , because the per-person cost changes as the stateroom category changes.

Here is a consolidated list of the room types offered onboard. They’re listed here generally from least expensive to most expensive, though there may be some price overlap. For a more in-depth look at each of these room types, see the descriptions and photos posted in our Disney Cruise Staterooms article.

Inside Staterooms on Disney Magic

Inside Stateroom with round mirror in lieu of a porthole | Image © Disney

Inside Staterooms have no porthole window and no balcony. They do have a round mirror that sort of looks like a porthole, but all you’ll see through it is your reflection. The standard version of this stateroom is the smallest, while the deluxe version is slightly larger.

The standard version is also the only regular stateroom category on the ship which does not feature a split bathroom configuration; a split bathroom has a toilet/sink in a separate room from the shower/sink, allowing two people to get ready at the same time.

• 11C:   Deck 2
• 11B:   Decks 5, 6
• 11A:   Decks 6, 7
• 10C:   Decks 1, 2
• 10B:   Deck 2
• 10A:   Decks 5, 6, 7

Split bathroom configuration | Image © Disney

Oceanview Staterooms on Disney Magic

A typical Oceanview Stateroom | Image © Disney

Oceanview staterooms offer an outside view through one large or two small round porthole windows which do not open.

• 9D:   Deck 1
• 9C:   Deck 2
• 9B:   Deck 2
• 9A:   Decks 5, 6, 7

Category 9D Oceanview Stateroom | Image © Disney

Verandah Staterooms on Disney Magic

A typical stateroom verandah | Image © Disney

Verandah staterooms offer a private outside balcony which can be accessed through sliding glass doors. Most verandahs have see-through railings (with clear plexiglass for safety), but a few categories have solid metal partitions or are otherwise somewhat obstructed.

• 7A:   Decks 5, 6, 7, 8
• 6A:   Decks 5, 6, 7
• 5C:   Decks 5, 6
• 5B:   Decks 6, 7
• 5A:   Deck 7
• 4E:   Deck 8
• 4B:   Deck 8
• 4A:   Deck 8

Category 7A Navigator’s Verandah | Image © Disney

Category 6A Whitewall Verandah | Image © Disney

Concierge Staterooms on Disney Magic

Concierge One-Bedroom Suite | Image © Disney

Concierge staterooms offer additional personalized services , concierge staff, and access to an exclusive Concierge Lounge and sun deck.

• 3A:   Deck 8
• 2B:   Deck 8
• 2A:   Deck 8
• 1B:   Deck 8
• 1A:   Deck 8

Need Help Picking a Stateroom?

For free, personalized guidance on the different stateroom options offered by Disney Cruise Line, trust the experts at  The Vacationeer ! As an Earmarked Diamond level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner ,  The Vacationeer has helped thousands of families make their Disney Cruise plans.

When you contact The Vacationeer , you’ll be connected with a single, dedicated travel planner — no gigantic call centers and no waiting on hold! Your Vacationeer will take the time to get to know you and your family to make sure that you find the perfect stateroom at the best possible price  so you get your money’s worth .

They’ll walk you through all the options, answer your questions, make your reservations for you, and share money-saving tips . The Vacationeer can even help you set up a zero-interest payment plan that usually requires only a preliminary deposit to book , followed by payments on your own schedule (just pay in full by Disney’s final payment deadline ahead of the cruise).

They even offer a generous onboard credit that can be used toward your purchases on the ship. And best of all, their planning services are free !

So take advantage of free booking help from a Disney Cruise expert — contact The Vacationeer today for a free, no-obligation quote on your dream Disney Cruise!

Disney Magic Dining and Lounges

It’s a well-known fact that cruises feature virtually endless food options , and the Disney Magic is no exception. With three sensational main dining restaurants, an elegant adult-only dining option, and plenty of places to grab a quick meal or a snack on the go, you certainly won’t go hungry onboard this ship.

Rotational Dining Restaurants on Disney Magic

Like all Disney Cruise Ships, the Disney Magic offers rotational dining during the nightly dinner service. This Disney Cruise Line innovation pre-schedules you to visit a different restaurant on each night of the cruise. You’ll have the same waitstaff each night, so they’ll get to know you and your food preferences.

Dinner at these three restaurants is included in the cost of your Disney Cruise .

• Animator’s Palate

The flagship dining experience on the first four Disney ships (including Disney Magic), Animator’s Palate offers a fan-favorite menu along with a taste of the magic of animation.

Menu-wise, you’ll find Asian, Pacific, and California influences: wild mushroom risotto, black truffle pasta purseittes (a DCL favorite!), butternut squash soup, polenta cake with tomato and mushroom, lemon-thyme marinated chicken, beef tenderloin, and more.

Your dinner also includes a tribute to animation – Drawn to Magic tells the story of how an animated feature comes to life. Much like a cartoon goes from a pencil sketch to ink-and-paint, the entire dining room goes from black-and-white to color during your meal, thanks to a bit of help from Sorcerer Mickey.

On longer cruises, you might also experience Animation Magic , allowing you to draw your own character and see it animated as part of the dinner show! This is one of those amazingly cool experiences that really sets Disney Cruise Line apart from any other offering at sea.

Lumiere’s offers French cuisine in an elegant setting. Menu options may include a bacon and mushroom tart, French onion soup, escargot, roast duck, avocado citrus salad, sea bass, and lobster mac-and-cheese. Round out your meal with creme brulee or a delightful Grand Marnier souffle.

Outside of dinner service, Lumiere’s is also an option for breakfast and lunch on most days; you’ll find a more-Americanized menu during those meal periods.

• Rapunzel’s Royal Table

You’re invited to a special celebration for Rapunzel in the kingdom of Corona! Thanks to a little Disney magic, your night at the restaurant just happens to fall during the celebration of Rapunzel’s birthday and the anniversary of her return to the kingdom. A true royal feast unfolds… stuffed ravioli, ahi tuna tartare, smoked salmon, lemon & thyme roast chicken, prime rib, and the pun-definitely-intended angel hair pasta with sea scallops.

Dinner here includes a show: singing, dancing, the brusque yet lovable crew from the Snuggly Duckling, and a visit from Flynn and Rapunzel! All together, it makes for a fantastic meal with a hint of character dining .

Adult-Exclusive Dining on the Disney Magic

A Disney Cruise is certainly a family affair, but it’s not by any means just for kids. There are plenty of ways for adults to have fun on a Disney Cruise . One of those is to enjoy an adult-exclusive dinner while the kids enjoy the youth clubs.

Reserve a table at Palo for a delightful meal featuring memorable Italian cuisine. The stunning venue includes giant windows overlooking the ocean, providing a perfect backdrop for your meal.

Dinner menu items include butternut agnolotti, seared sea scallops, dover sole expertly fileted at your tableside, tiramisù, and their signature chocolate soufflé. On sea days, a tremendously-popular brunch service is typically offered.

Dining here requires an upcharge and space is usually in high demand; book as early as your onboard booking window allows.

Casual Dining on the Disney Magic Cruise Ship

Breakfast and lunch are casual affairs onboard – and one of the best places to enjoy these meals is at Cabanas.

The buffet-style Cabanas restaurant offers a mix of American, European, and Asian favorites in an all-you-care-to-eat breakfast and lunch served from nearly a dozen food stations.

In the morning, enjoy all the expected items – made-to-order omelets, bacon, sausage, Mickey Waffles, and such – along with international offerings that might include Huevos Rancheros, rice, and miso soup. I myself don’t usually include gravlax on my breakfast menu at home, but enjoy it as a nice change on my cruise breakfast plate. And every cruise I look forward to enjoying a giant bowl of fresh muesli with dried fruits and nuts to start my day (alongside a Mickey Waffle or two).

Lunch at Cabanas is an ever-changing mix of freshly-grilled meats, jumbo iced shrimp and crab claws, burgers, sandwiches, pizza, and more.

Cabanas also offers a dinner service alternative. It’s not buffet style at night – you’ll have a server at your table – but it’s a nice alternative if you’ve had your fill of the main dining rooms on a longer cruise.

Lounges, Bars, and Snacks on the Disney Magic

There’s always a place to grab a quick bite or a refreshing drink onboard. Whether you’re looking for a nibble, just want a soda, or are seeking something with a bit of alcohol , you’ll easily find it onboard. Here are just a few highlights:

An adults-only retreat that focuses on specialty coffees and teas during the day, with cocktails in the evening.

This family-friendly venue hosts interactive events for all ages. Karaoke, trivia, game shows, and even dance parties can be found here on a daily basis.

Daisy’s De-Lites, Duck-In Diner, and Pinocchio’s Pizzeria

For a quick grab-and-go snack poolside, check out these quick service windows. You’ll find pizza, burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, chicken tenders, and even shawarma.

Eye Scream Treats and Frozone Treats

Cool down with all-you-can eat soft-serve ice cream cones (included in the cost of your cruise!), or spend a bit for a specialty smoothie.

An undersea-themed lounge that combines cocktails with live entertainment, such as comedy, music, karaoke, and interactive game shows.

An adults-only piano lounge featuring live music in a classy 1950s Hollywood atmosphere. Enjoy beer, wine, and of course martinis.

• O’Gills Pub

The Disney Magic’s sports bar. Live matches (when available) are beamed in via satellite to this lively venue. Try the Blarney Stone Tasting Flight, with selections of whisky and Irish coffee.

Soda Station

One major difference between Disney Cruise dining and other cruise lines is that most non-alcoholic drinks are included at no additional cost — no need to purchase a separate drink package ! Located near the pool, this soda station offers unlimited refills all day long.

• Soul Cat Lounge

Themed to the Disney•PIXAR film Soul . It’s located along the path leading to Rapunzel’s Royal Table, making it a great spot for a pre/post dinner drink and zeppole (fried dough pastry) — all accompanied by live music.

Room Service on Disney Magic

Room Service is included at no additional charge on the Disney Magic – all you’re expected to pay for is a tip for the crew member who delivers the food (and any specialty items you might opt for).

The standard menu typically includes salads, soups, chicken tenders, burgers and sandwiches, and even hot wings.  You’ll also typically find a couple of flatbread/pizza selections and perhaps a pasta dish. Cookies and cake/pie are the standard dessert.

A favorite among Disney Cruise Line’s repeat cruisers is the All Hands on Deck , a plate of assorted cheese, fruit, and crackers. And here’s a secret menu item that’s sure to delight kids of all ages: the famed Mickey’s Premium ice cream bar – yes, the same as those you find at Disney World and Disneyland!

If you don’t mind paying a bit extra, you can add on specialty items such as beer, wine, canned soft drinks, deluxe coffees, juices, and pre-packaged snacks such as candies.

Best Bets for Each Meal on Disney Magic

Below we list each of the main meal periods onboard the ship, and your best options for each.

• Primary option: Cabanas is the prime breakfast spot onboard with long hours, a wide variety, and all you care to eat. The downside of this location is that its popularity can make it feel a bit hectic at times.
• Secondary option: One of the three rotational restaurants (typically Lumiere’s) usually offers a table-service breakfast, complete with a server who will bring your food and keep your drinks refilled. The menu is a bit more limited than at Cabanas, but it’s usually a much more relaxed option to start your day.
• Other options: You can order room service, but be forewarned that the breakfast menu is extremely limited. There’s no “hot breakfast” (eggs, bacon, sausage, oatmeal) on the menu, but you can get juices, coffees, pastries, and cold cereals. Elsewhere on the ship, you can likely find a light pastry at one of the cafes onboard, but don’t expect a filling meal.
• Primary option: Like at breakfast, Cabanas is the best lunch option thanks to its tremendous selection. Iced jumbo shrimp and crab claws are a signature menu item most days; you’ll also find freshly grilled meats, a wide variety of side items, some interesting international selections, and lots of tempting desserts.
• Secondary option: If you’re spending the afternoon lounging by the pool, there’s no need to dry off and head inside when a craving hits. Just drip your way on over to one of the many food service windows along the pool deck to enjoy a quick meal.  Options are more limited than Cabanas, but you’ll find enough to satisfy that rumbly in your tumbly with burgers, dogs, sandwiches, and unlimited ice cream cones. These windows often offer extended hours – a great option if you missed lunch hours at Cabanas or need a snack to hold you over until a later dinner service.
• Other options : Lumiere’s typically serves a lunch option with open seating and waitstaff at your table. Room Service is another good option; your menu options won’t be terribly exciting, but you can still get a filling meal without leaving your couch (well, except to answer the door).
• Primary option: Your assigned rotational dining restaurant is the heart of Disney Cruise dining. Your dedicated service team follows you all voyage long and will likely become your favorite Crew Members onboard the ship. Add in special themed menus and other thoughtful touches, and you’ll quickly see why this is a highlight of each day onboard.
• Secondary option: As an alternative to your pre-scheduled rotational dining restaurant, you might opt to experience Cabanas in a totally new way. Dinner at Cabanas is an entirely different experience than the free-for-all buffet-style offerings that are the mainstay of breakfast and lunch. You’ll be seated at a table, and a server will present you a menu that features some of the most popular selections from other restaurants. It’s typically very laid back and it makes for a nice alternative, especially if a particular themed night at your assigned restaurant doesn’t sound like your speed..
• Other options: Many cruisers enjoy dedicating at least one night of their cruise to an adult-exclusive meal at Palo. Otherwise, you can always grab something from the quick-service windows on the pool deck, or order room service.

Off-hours Eating and Snacking

• Primary option: For cravings outside the main meal periods, your best bet is the quick-service options on the pool deck. Their generous hours and snacky offerings make them a great choice to tide you over between meals. Individual portions tend to be “snack sized” (such as 2 or 3 chicken tenders and a few fries), so you won’t spoil your dinner. But it’s still all-you-can-eat so you can certainly fill up if you desire.
• Secondary option: Room Service is available 24/7 (up until about 1:30 AM on the last morning of your cruise), and is the only option for overnight snacking. Whether you’re craving buffalo wings at 4:00 AM (no judgment) or just want some warm cookies and milk at bedtime, room service won’t leave you hungry.

Book Through The Vacationeer and Get Free Spending Money To Use Onboard

Disney Magic Pools and Water Slides

The AquaDunk is a drop-style water slide that’s only found onboard the Disney Magic – not even its sister ship the Disney Wonder has one!

Your adventure begins when you climb the steps to the top of one of Disney Magic’s iconic red smokestack funnels; there, you’ll step into the launch chamber of a 215-foot-long water slide tube. Cross your arms and enjoy the exquisite suspense before the floor drops out from beneath you trapdoor-style, sending you plummeting about forty feet straight down and careening out over the edge of the ship (still safely encased in the clear tube). Seconds later, you’ll splash down in a shallow run-out area that makes it easy to stand up, perform the necessary wedgie extraction (since we’re being honest here), and head out for more fun.

The ride is almost comically short – less than 10 seconds from trapdoor to splashdown – but it’s quite exhilarating.

There’s no additional charge to ride the AquaDunk, but you will have to wait in line (sorry, no FastPass or Lightning Lane here). Lines tend to be longest on Sea Days and shorter when the ship is in port. Riding earlier or later can also help avoid crowds – just don’t forget to check the operating hours each day in the Navigator app.

Guests must be at least 48” tall to ride.

Twist ’n’ Spout

Part of the AquaLab (see below), Twist ‘n’ Spout is a bright yellow double-looping waterslide. You’ll twist and turn over almost 250 feet before a thrilling splashdown. Guests must be at least 38” tall to ride, and adult supervision is required for kids under age 16.

Pools and Splash Pads

This multi-level water playground is a great place for kids to cool off during their cruise. It includes a small pool, a “beach” with geysers and pop jets, pouring “paint” cans and showerheads, leaky pipes, and the amusing Donald’s Boiler – a familiar-shaped contraption that occasionally drenches everyone. Intended for ages 3+; adult supervision required for those under age 16.

Goofy’s Pool

The main pool onboard the ship, Goofy’s Pool on deck 9 serves as the family pool onboard. In addition to the large main pool, you’ll also find a couple of whirlpool tubs nearby. The giant FunnelVision video screen and a large stage are nearby, so there’s always something to keep you entertained while swimming. Intended for ages 3+ (must be toilet trained), with adult supervision required for those under age 16. This pool is occasionally closed so that it can be covered and used as additional deck space for major events, such as the sail-away party.

Nephews’ Splash Zone

Tiny travelers aged 3 years or younger can splash away the day among a veritable sea of spraying water and pop jets. Swim diapers are required, and children must be supervised by an adult.

Quiet Cove Pool

A serene oasis for the grown-ups. Those under the age of 18 are not permitted in this adults-only escape, not because anything elicit happens there but rather because every age group needs a bit of time to themselves. You’ll find a pool and whirlpool tubs here, along with plenty of lounge chairs and easy access to the adult beverage of your choice.

Disney Magic Kids Clubs and Teen Clubs

You might expect a Disney Cruise to be overrun with children. And while there are certainly plenty of kids onboard, they spend a lot of time in the fantastic kids clubs on the ship so you might be surprised at how few kids you see at times. A substantial portion of Deck 5 is dedicated to those under age 12.

• Disney’s Oceaneer Club

The Oceaneer Club is the place where your kids will likely spend a large amount of their time onboard. It’s a secure facility accessible only to kids aged 3-10 and trained youth activities staff. Inside there are tons of kid-friendly spaces and activities, and it’s all included in the cost of your Disney cruise! This amazing kids club is one of the reasons we consider Disney to be the best cruise line for children .

Andy’s Room

Kids are immersed in the world of Disney·Pixar’s Toy Story movies in this unique multi-level play area.

Marvel Super Hero Academy

Themed as a top-secret S.H.I.E.L.D. facility, this area gives kids the chance to summon their inner Super Hero (and visit with a few real ones, too!). There’s plenty of time for freeform play, and occasional structured activities.

Disney Junior Area

A favorite of younger Oceaneers, the Disney Junior area features games, characters, and more.

Pixie Hollow

In this enchanted forest realm – home to Tinker Bell and her fairy friends – kids will find everything they need for a game of dress-up, a special craft project, or storytime.

• Disney’s Oceaneer Lab

A partner facility to the Oceaneer Club, the Oceaneer Lab offers lots of hand-on activities and experiences for kids ages 3-10.

Animator’s Studio

Learn how to draw your favorite Disney characters – or just entertain your own creative instincts.

Anyone Can Cook

Learn how to measure and mix ingredients and bake a batch of fresh chocolate-chip cookies.

Captain’s Workshop

Enjoy movies and video games in a spacious play area.

Super Sloppy Science

Meet a world-famous scientist with a penchant for unabashedly messy experiments.

The Wheelhouse

Take the wheel of a large video screen navigation simulator and see if you have what it takes to steer a Disney Cruise Ship.

Tweens and young teens – ages 11 to 14 – have a space all to themselves onboard the Disney Magic. Edge is the perfect place to relax thanks to its moody boiler room feel. There’s a huge video screen, a dance floor, plus plenty of video games and crafts. A mix of planned activities and unstructured free time keeps things interesting.

This teens-only retreat is in one of the coolest places on the ship – right inside one of the iconic red smokestack funnels! Those aged 14 to 17 can enjoy a specialty coffee or smoothie while relaxing with newfound friends. For techy types, there are plenty of TVs, video games, and tablets. Meanwhile, active teens will enjoy dance parties, karaoke sessions, and group activities.

it’s a small world nursery!

The tiniest cruisers are well taken care of in it’s a small world nursery! , an onboard babysitting service for infants and toddlers aged three and younger.

Disney youth counselors watch over the tykes and will also feed them and handle any necessary diaper changes.

This nursery service does require an additional (nominal) fee for each half-hour, with a one-hour minimum. Discounts are available for multiple children in the same family. Advanced reservations are strongly recommended. Note that there are no in-room babysitting services onboard.

Need Answers But Don’t Want To Wait On Hold?

Disney Magic Entertainment and Activities

Disney is first and foremost an entertainment company – and that concept continues onboard its ships.

Broadway-Style Shows in the Walt Disney Theatre

Each night of your cruise, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a live show in the beautiful Walt Disney Theatre. This includes at least three Broadway-style shows during your cruise, along with other additions (such as family-friendly comedians, magicians, and hypnotists) on longer voyages.

Disney Dreams – An Enchanted Classic

A touching tale of a young girl at the age of not believing – follow along as she learns how to believe in herself thanks to the power of positive thinking along with some help from favorite Disney characters and memorable music.

Tangled: The Musical

A lively musical retelling of Rapunzel’s adventures. Sing along with film favorites and learn a few new songs, too! This live stage adaptation of the popular film is sure to wow you – especially when the mesmerizing puppet of Maximus takes the stage.

Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story

And they all lived happily ever after! But what happened after the end of the Disney classic Cinderella ? This comedy explores the idea of time-traveling (!) wicked stepmothers and stepdaughters (thanks to help from, who else, a wicked Fairy Godfather) trying to destroy the glass slipper and wreck Cinderella’s marriage.

Pirate Night / Pirates in the Caribbean Deck Party with Fireworks

Pirate night starts with the delivery of pirate bandanas to your stateroom – then the party moves to your scheduled dining location for the evening, where a special themed menu awaits. Then, head up to the pool deck for a raucous show with high-flying pirates including favorite Disney characters. Finally, the grand finale (and another Disney innovation) – fireworks at sea!

Note: not every itinerary offers a pirate night, and fireworks may be canceled due to weather.

Disney Movies in the Buena Vista Theatre

First-run and classic favorite Disney, PIXAR, and LucasFilm movies are shown all day long in the Buena Vista Theatre. Best of all? It’s completely free! You don’t even need a ticket – just drop in at showtime and grab a seat.

Sailing during the premiere of a highly-anticipated Disney film? It’ll be shown repeatedly in the Buena Vista Theatre, likely after a huge “PremEAR at Sea” showing in the Walt Disney Theatre.

Disney Magic Spas and Salons

If you think a massage is relaxing, imagine a massage while looking out over the ocean! Disney Magic offers a full-service spa onboard the ship, plus many other health and wellness services.

Senses Spa and Salon

Pamper yourself with spa treatments, salon services, and rejuvenation procedures at this restful retreat. Experience Swedish massage, aroma stone therapy, deep tissue massage, facials, acupuncture, teeth whitening, shampoo/cut/style, manicures, pedicures, CoolSculpting, and more. Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, showers, lockers, sandals, and robes round out the offerings.

Exclusively for guests aged 13-17, this special area of Senses offers treatments to teens. A parent or guardian must accompany the teen for the duration of the treatment ( solo and combined treatments are offered as an option).

Fitness Center

Keep up your workout routine (and burn off the four desserts you ordered at dinner last night) in the Fitness Center. Stay in shape with weight machines, cardio equipment, ellipticals, treadmills, and other equipment; participate in a yoga, Pilates, or aerobics class; or opt for personalized one-on-one training and analysis with a professional trainer.

• Walking/Jogging Track

I don’t spend much time in the gym, but I do enjoy a nice walk for exercise. The Disney Magic offers a walking/jogging track on Deck 4 that offers close-up ocean views as well as a neat glimpse of some of the heavy machinery that keeps the ship going (should you be into that sort of thing like I am). It’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll after dinner, or take a jog if you’re so inclined. You might even recognize your stateroom host or dinner server – off-duty, of course – out for a run.

Get Free Credit Toward Spa Treatments When You Book With The Vacationeer

Disney Magic Itineraries and Home Ports

There are several places around the US where you can board the Disney Magic; it bounces about between multiple ports throughout the year.

Disney Magic has a busy schedule of cruises in 2024 .

• January to February: Caribbean cruises from Galveston, Texas
• February: Caribbean cruises out of New Orleans, Louisiana
• March to Mid-April: More Caribbean cruises from Galveston
• Mid-April to Mid-May: Caribbean cruises from San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Mid-May to early November: Bahamian and Caribbean cruises (most of which visit Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point ) from Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Mid-November: More Caribbean and Bahamian cruises from San Juan
• Late November to end of year: More Caribbean cruises from Galveston

Here’s a brief overview of the Disney Magic’s cruise schedule for 2025 .

• January through late March: Caribbean cruises from Galveston, Texas
• Late March: Bahamian cruises from Galveston, Texas and San Juan, Puerto Rico
• April through early May: Bahamian cruises from Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Mid through late September: Bahamian cruises and Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida
• October through end of year: Not yet announced

Find a Cruise Near You and Secure the Best Possible Rate

Disney Magic Deck-by-Deck

Here’s a look at what’s located on each deck of the Disney Magic.

• Health Center
• Tender Lobbies (ship exit at ports of call)
• Category 9D
• Category 10C
• Self-Service Laundry
• Category 9B
• Category 9C
• Category 10B
• Category 11C
• Guest Services
• Port Adventures Desk
• Port Shopping Desk
• Public Restrooms
• Sea Treasures
• Lobby Atrium
• Walt Disney Theatre
• Preludes Bar
• Crown Jewelry
• Mickey’s Mainsail
• Shutters Photo Studio
• Vacation Planning Desks
• Vista Gallery
• Atrium (overlook)
• Buena Vista Theatre
• “it’s a small world” nursery
• Category 5C
• Category 6A
• Category 7A
• Category 9A
• Category 10A
• Category 11B
• Category 5B
• Category 11A
• Category 5A
• Category 1A
• Category 1B
• Category 2A
• Category 2B
• Category 3A
• Category 4A
• Category 4B
• Category 4E
• Funnel Vision
• Goofy’s Family Pool
• Nephew’s Splash Zone
• Pool Deck Stage
• Quiet Cove Adult Pool
• Whirlpool Spas
• Beverage Station
• Daisy’s De-Lites
• Duck-In Diner
• Eye Scream Treats
• Frozone Treats
• Pinocchio’s Pizzeria
• Fitness Area
• Rainforest Room
• Twist ‘n’ Spout
• Wide World of Sports Deck
• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
• Concierge Lounge
• Public Restroom
• Concierge Sun Deck

Disney Magic Fact Sheet

Shipyard (ship’s birthplace).

Fincantieri – Marghera & Ancona, Italy

Maiden voyage

July 30, 1998

Major Refurbishment/Renewal

Varies by time of year — see Itineraries & Ports above

Ship’s Registry

Approximately 84,000 gross tons

21.5 knots cruising speed

24 knots maximum speed

Diesel-based electric

Crew Members

Maximum capacity.

2,713 passengers

875 staterooms

• 384 verandah staterooms (includes 22 suites)
• 229 oceanview staterooms
• 262 inside staterooms (30%)

How To Book a Cruise on the Disney Magic

While there are many ways to book Disney Cruise Line vacations , we believe the best way to secure your spot on the Disney Magic (or any other Disney Cruise ship ) is to work with one of the Disney Cruise experts at our official travel agency partner The Vacationeer .

As an Earmarked Diamond level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner , The Vacationeer offers completely free help booking your cruise . Their agents can help you make all the right choices, picking the right ship for you and your kids as well as helping you choose between a Disney Cruise and other cruise lines such as Norwegian , Royal Caribbean , Princess , and Carnival — they book them all so they can guide you in the right direction.

Your cruise won’t cost a penny more than if you’d booked it yourself — and it might even cost less ! As a matter of fact, one of the many reasons to book with a Disney travel agent is their excellent knowledge of all the latest discounts.

Another reason? Travel agents offer Onboard Credit — that’s free spending money that you can use toward purchases you make while you’re onboard the ship! Use it towards specialty dining, spa treatments, souvenirs, shore excursions , gratuities , and more! Booking through The Vacationeer can earn you up to $1,000 in onboard credit .

And finally, there’s the personalized service . When you book through The Vacationeer , you’ll be connected with a single, dedicated agent who’ll handle your cruise arrangements from start to finish . Imagine — never having to wait on hold to speak to yet another agent in a giant call center! Good luck finding that level of service with a nationwide wholesaler !

So what’re you waiting for? It’s time to take a Disney Cruise — and  Vacationeers are ready to help!

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Disney Magic

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line |

Find a Cruise on Disney Magic

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Traveler Reviews

A ship’s traveler rating is provided under license by Cruiseline.com , which manages one of the largest databases of cruise reviews and ratings by travelers. A total of 588 guests have reviewed Disney Magic , giving it a rating of 4.4 on a scale of 1-5.

Cruiseline Travel Rating:

Reviews by traveler type, most recent reviews.

Disney Makes the most out of an old, small ship.

May 1st, 2024

The Disney Magic is an old ship that’s obviously limited on space, things to do, and dining, but the ship’s been taken great care of, and DCL makes the most out of the space it has. The ship is packed with Disney magic and this trip makes me really want to try DCL’s newer offerings and see how far they’ve come, and if I were traveling with young kids, I would not hesitate to take them aboard.

Traveler Type

Family (older children)

4-6 cruises

lovely cruise, was only at half capacity since returning after covid cruise

Apr 25th, 2024

It was a Lovely ship. We loved the changing dining rooms each night. The decor in the dining rooms were lovely. The characters were easy to fond due to the ship being at half capacity since it was the cruise right after covid. We had a great time but still prefer Royal Caribbean

A long time ago

Apr 8th, 2024

It was pleasant. Food was good. Customs was an absolute mess. But it was a long time ago.

Family (young children)

2-3 cruises

Not so good this time

Apr 7th, 2024

Did not get off the boat as planned and service and weather was not good. The only good thing was a few of the servers kindness.

The best DCL we had by far. Disney Magic is a really nice ship. Smaller than its biggest sisters, hence feels lot less crowded at Castaway. The crew we had was fantastic.

Mar 4th, 2024

Our favorite ship. We were very lucky to find Tony on the ship for the third time. The crew was awesome.

Not so magical

Feb 2nd, 2024

Our party of seven had its moments of pleasurable experiences, but we found the overall experience not worth the hype. Little kids enjoy seeing characters but their attention span to wait in line for hours just for a photo op is too much. Bigger kids would have more fun either at the Disney Parks or on a Carnival cruise - just saying.

Jan 26th, 2024

So...this should have been a 5-star review given the staff and amenities...food...design...all of that. However, they decided to do demolition in one of the kids areas RIGHT UNDER our room. So our days were full of hammers and saws and sanders and jack-hammers...and so were our nights. This may not have been "as big" of an issue for someone that didn't have an infant that needs several naps throughout the day...but ours did...so it was. The first night it went until 10 at night - until I called Guest Services and said if they didn't stop it, I was going down there myself. This continued the entire cruise (though only until 9pm the second night and probably 8 the following). It was unbearable. They admitted they made a mistake in allowing it to happen with the surrounding rooms booked, but the reality is, someone knew it would be more fiscally beneficial to just deal with the complaints after the fact - and ruin someone's vacation (which they don't care about obviously). I'm a big fan of Disney (former season pass holder at DisneyWorld when I lived in Florida)...but this was unacceptable. They did comp some stuff...but it didn't come close to making it right, as this our wedding anniversary - our first vacation in 5 years - our first big trip with our new son...and quite frankly, it ruined the whole experience for us and didn't come close to the cruise price + airline tickets + hotels + rental cars. They did offer 25% off our "next" cruise, but the experience was so bad - not really feeling that's enough. It's one thing to look back on it, but remembering how frustrating it was in the moment and not being able to get ANY relief...just can't forget that. I tried to be fair by judging each thing independently, but if there was an overall rating - it was get 1-star - and only because that's the minimum that can be given.

Disney, Halloween on the High Seas

Jan 23rd, 2024

We had no complaints. Disney knows how to do cruising right.

Amazing Magical Trip!

Oct 27th, 2023

It was amazing. My daughter got to have the time of her life, our apple watches worked so she could text me if she needed anything. The entertainment was fabulous. the food and drink was delicious. I'm sad that I'm back on land and people are not as happy and magical as on the ship! Walking around with music playing all the time was awesome. I had to run and sing along with the pianist occasionally!

First time sailing out of nyc with Disney

Oct 2nd, 2023

It was a long sailing out of NYC. We have been wanting to sail but still had school aged kid. It was a great cruise to New England and Canada!

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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Disney Magic Cruise Review: A Truly Magical Disney Experience!

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Disney Magic Cruise Review

You’ve seen the price of the Disney cruise of your dreams and badly want to make it a reality but the high cost precludes you from booking it. I have two words for you: BOOK IT . A Disney Cruise, without a doubt, is worth every single penny. The experience is not only vastly different from visiting the parks, it’s Disney-themed cruising which uniquely separates itself from other cruise lines. For families with children or Disney fanatics alike, there may not be a better vacation option in my opinion.

Disney Magic Booking Process

Your best bet if you want to save some money is to book your cruise as far in advance as possible. That’s because Disney Cruise Line offers ‘tier pricing’ and the best savings can be found if you book as soon as the calendar opens for each cruise. Disney announces their cruise schedules roughly 16-18 months in advance so it would behoove you to book a cruise now in April 2018 for sail date of September 2019 as you’ll be locking in the best stateroom options and pricing. I booked our 4-night Bahamas cruise exactly 14 months in advance and used a few credit card sign-up bonuses to cut my out-of-pocket cost in half .

Disney Magic Embarkation

We live about 20 minutes from the Port of Miami so the drive was quick and painless for us. For those folks flying into Miami International Airport and wanting to head directly to the port terminal on cruise day, I recommend you book an Uber/Lyft from MIA as it should only cost you about $15. Parking at the port is a whopping $22/day so I would avoid renting a car or driving yourself there!

We arrived at the Disney Cruise Line terminal at 11:00AM as we wanted to get our vacation started as soon as embarkation was allowed. I also wanted to ask about stateroom upgrades as I heard that the ‘early bird gets the worm’, however when I inquired I was told the ship was fully booked so no upgrades were to be had. Word has it if you ask at check-in, they’ll offer you an upgraded room type if available (Inside cabin to Oceanview cabin; Oceanview to Verandah) at a reduced cost per night or even free! Doesn’t hurt to ask.

We went through the check-in process, received our room key cards and even got to take a photo with Goofy as we waited to board.

We were given a board group number and were told that boarding would begin at 11:45AM. By 12:00PM, our group number had been called and as we boarded the ship, a cast member with a microphone announced a welcome to our family while the crew applauded. Very cool Disney-touch for families.

Disney Magic Cabin Review – Deluxe Ocean View

I booked a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom which was only slightly more expensive than a high deck inside cabin stateroom. The extra cost was minimal considering you get a beautiful view of the ocean and get to look out when arriving at the ports. The Disney Magic has 11 total decks with decks 1, 2 and 5 through 8 housing staterooms for guests while the others are used for activities, entertainment and dining. Our stateroom was on Deck 2 and I checked reviews  here  prior to selecting the exact room I wanted. I opted for stateroom #2116 as it was literally beside the elevators which was extremely convenient and based on all the reviews, the room was surprisingly very quiet.

Disney cruise line sports some of the largest rooms in the cruise industry. Our 214 sq ft. Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom came with a large porthole for stunning ocean views and a sitting area with a couch, TV with free Disney movies (score for the kids) and ESPN (score for me), plus a desk. There was a curtain that divided the sitting area from the sleeping area which was a nice touch for extra privacy.

There is a queen-size bed, single sleeper sofa and upper berth pull-down bed which is just a fancy name for ‘bunk bed’. The layout was perfect for the four of us (two adults, two children) as the privacy curtain between our queen bed and the girls’ bunk bed allowed us to watch TV after the girls’ fell asleep.

I wasn’t a huge fan of the split bath set-up. A “split bath”: a bathroom with a vanity, sink, shower and tub and a half bathroom with a vanity, sink and toilet.

Although I would have preferred an open bathroom concept, kudos to Disney for including the bath tub in each room as it makes it much easier to bathe younger children.

Disney Magic Dining Review 

The food on the ship ranged from average to very good. The Disney Magic has three restaurants that you rotate between including, Animator’s Palate, Lumiere’s and the recently debuted Rapunzel’s Royal Table which was perfect for my ‘Tangled’ obsessed twins.

You are assigned the same servers each night so you get to know your serving staff well. While there are buffet style restaurants on the ship, we opted to visit our assigned restaurants for dinner as the menus were all quite good and each dinner came with a small show or some kind of entertainment.

For breakfast and lunch, we opted for Cabanas, the casual buffet lunch option which offers an array of foods. One of the days I was a happy camper as I stuffed my face with snow crab legs crab claws and shrimp.

My kids, obvious picky-eaters, ordered off the kids menu. The buffet for breakfast had items such as eggs, bacon, donuts, fresh fruit, cereals, etc. and for lunch, chicken fingers, roasted chicken, steaks and pastas were offered providing plenty of options for even the choosiest palates. For dinner, the mainstay items for kids were cheese pizza and mac n’ cheese but you could also order adult menu items that would suffice for small ones. The desserts were a big hit with my sweet-tooth bandits.

Each night you’re assigned a dining room and each night there’s a theme incorporated with the dinner. Our favorite night was the famous Pirate Night as the room (Animator’s Plate) was visually stunning and the entire restaurant staff encouraged all kids to join them in song and dance across the room.

Pretty cool also that mostly everyone dressed up for Pirate’s night, from toddlers to 80-something grandparents, everyone donned Pirate-themed costumes for the evening party festivities.

Room service is included free of charge. The room service menu is limited but we did order chicken soup and sweet treats when one of my daughter’s was feeling a bit under the weather. The room service is delivered promptly to your stateroom under 35 minutes and they all but guarantee it over the phone when you place the order. It’s Disney Cruise line standards at it’s finest.

Disney Magic Kids Club Review

We aren’t the types to leave our kids here all day but if we wanted to, there is no shortage of entertainment for kids of all ages at the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab (ages 3-12). The club is well-organized and well-supervised, and there are tons of activities going on (like song and dance with characters) to keep kids occupied. A neat feature of the Kids Club is if you download the Disney Cruise Line app, there is a messaging option (more on this later) that allows Kids Club cast members to contact parents if there child wants to be picked up or has any issues. This feature offers peace of mind to parents that want to enjoy a quiet evening out or simply take a break from the kids.

Photos of our faces popped up on computers when we arrived and we were asked to confirm the customized secret password despite them knowing who we were. Disney doesn’t mess around with security.

Disney Magic Entertainment Review

Probably the most over-utilized entertainment activity on any cruise are the pools. Disney is no exception. There’s a dedicated small pool for toddlers and small children and it’s even manned by a life-guard.

The waterslides are fun and given the ship’s compact size (compared to newer mega ships), there was never more than a 10 minute wait for the slides. My wife and I went on the AquaDuck slide, not to be mistaken with the more adventurous AquaDunk, but still loved the short thrill down the yellow curvy water slide.

Truly, there is no shortage of ship activities on a Disney cruise.

The wait times to meet the characters never surpassed 20 minutes and the girls got to meet every Disney Princess more than once with no fast pass or long waits to deal with.

By the end of the cruise, they may have been desensitized to picture-taking with characters as these famous Disney characters roam around the cruise so often making it very easy to run into them.

The broadway-type shows are impressive. Performances are offered two times each night (for the main seating and second seating folks) and we went 3 of 4 nights. These shows include Tangled: The Musical, Twice Charmed and Disney Dreams. Do not miss the shows!

Most people make these shows a must-see activity on their cruise plans. I lived in New York City in my twenties and used to attend countless broadway and off-broadway shows and the performances on the Disney Magic are on-par with those on the big stage. Kids and parents alike love these shows and a neat treat is that many of the actors collaborate on other ship responsibilities so you see them in plain clothes walking around and smiling at guests.

Disney’s Castaway Cay Review

What I thought would be a gimmick little island turned into a legitimate paradise stop on our cruise itinerary. Castaway Cay is Disney’s own private island in the Bahamas and is a port of call on Caribbean cruises. Its turquoise waters and pristine beaches make it the perfect complement to a Disney cruise.

Use of all facilities including kid’s programming, Pelican’s Plunge (a fun slide inside the water), snorkeling, Serenity Bay (the Adult-Only Beach), and the family beach are included.

Lunch is provided and includes barbecue ribs, roasted chicken, spicy fried chicken, hamburgers and a plethora of appetizing sides. You only pay for alcohol and beach gear such as tubes, floating mats and kids sand toys.

We arrived before 9:00AM to get an early start on beach chairs and glad we did because by lunchtime, the beach was crowded with hundreds of parents with small kids crowding the entry point into the water. We reluctantly left after lunch as the girls had gotten plenty of sun and enjoyed a quiet ship for afternoon napping.

Disney Cruise Line Navigator App

Once aboard the ship, The Disney Cruise Line Navigator app not only helps you navigate the ship, see the ship schedule and customize your cruise plans, it also allows you to text with your travel party while on-board.

The app has an onboard chat feature which allows parents to communicate with one another if they decide to split up for any reason. This came in handy when we had two character meet-and-greets scheduled closely back-to-back and we decided to split up in order to alleviate the wait time. Once my wife was done seeing Stitch with the girls, she came over to Minnie Mouse and within 15 minutes total, my kids had seen both characters.

The ‘Disney Experience’

As my wife kept saying throughout the cruise, “they are genius”, in reference to Disney’s cruising experience. Disney is exceptional at organization, attention to detail, and entertainment, and these features are what makes a Disney cruise a different experience than a non-Disney cruise. Disney has a notable reputation in service standards and this is no more apparent than on a Disney cruise ship. Every single staff member we engaged with (probably over 200 individuals) on our 4-night cruise was downright exceptional.  Add the ease of meeting characters and the small Disney touches such as personalized cups with your child’s name on it, Disney characters knowing your kids’ names by heart and as my wife observed, even the fine china used in the restaurants was simply astonishing.

Disney Magic Review Bottom Line

From the meals, entertainment, character meet-ups, service and the gorgeous Castaway Cay, Disney has perfected family cruising with those special Disney touches. Disney has always been fun for our family but we’re more of the fly, stay and explore types over the cruising concept. However, after our first Disney cruise, we are officially obsessed and are looking forward to booking our next one for 2019.

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20 COMMENTS

I worked in the cruise industry for another company. Apart from the premium of the Disney name, the primary reason is the lack of a casino which is a significant revenue producer on a cruise ship. Same thing with US-flagged vessels, which also are subject to US wage laws.

Thanks Mike – great point!

[…] to Memories shares pictures and thoughts from their first Disney Cruise with two kids. Having only traveled with a group of adults, it was interesting to learn about the […]

Been on 20+ cruises with 2 more booked. I have never been on a Disney cruise and just do not plan to do that. We love Celebrity, but if taking the grandkids then it would be on NCL with so many great things for kids to do and a great kid’s program. While I believe Disney offers a great product, they charge for that and never think about getting a drink program there. Celebrities top ships are all rated at a minimum equal to any Disney cruise, plus the top tier Celebrity ships are quite elegant.

I love your review! We went on our first Disney Cruise when my kids were 1, 4 and 7. We’ve been hooked ever since! We’re going on cruise #7 in January. My oldest son has used the Tween Edge club the last two cruises, and he enjoys it even better than the kids club. DCL does a great job with teens and tweens, too.

Good to know! I am looking to book my next one for 2019!

Are there ways to use points to book cruises and get good deals that way? (Like we discuss a lot with flights and hotels)

You can book Disney cruises via phone with your CSR at 1.5 CPM. I opted to use cards like the Barclay Arrival Plus to offset some of the cost of my Disney cruise.

I was not a cruiser either. My first cruise was the 7 day Western Caribbean on the Disney Magic with my 5 year old. It was so good that on board I booked the 7 day Eastern Caribbean for the following year. And I was on the first cruise on the Disney Dream 2 years later. Since there were no 7 days available, I did 2 back to back 4 day cruises. People think counterintuitively with Disney-if I wait, the price goes down. Like you said, not only is that not true, but the longer you wait the more of a chance there will be no availability at any cost! And agree about the Kids Club- my daughter wanted to spend all day there, reluctantly leave to eat and then go back for Goofys Pajama Party.

7 day Disney cruise for a family of 4 may require me to save for a good year but I’ve got a shorter 3-4 nighter on the Disney Dream out of Port Canaveral on deck (no pun intended) for 2019.

Very nice review. I am not poor but philosophically refuse to pay for travel lol. How do I get it 90% off 🙂 Anyway thanks for sharing!

Lots of Venture or cash sign up bonuses 🙂

….and Arrival+ and CSR travel credit and maybe even two-player mode. lol

Great review DDD – thanks for sharing!

Tough to say. I personally would opt for RCCL or another mainstream cruise line over Disney if I a) didn’t have small children in my party and b) wasn’t an avid Disney-follower.

Would you recommend for couples without children? especially non Disney fans?

My husband and I (early 60’s) went on a Disney cruise with our 30-ish son and daughter in law, no kids. Absolutely LOVED it! And no, we are not Disney fanatics in any shape form or fashion! (have never even been to Disney World!) Hubby and I have been on other cruises and Disney is by far the best. Even the guests are more polite. I worried that we wouldn’t “get” some things, as we don’t keep up with the latest movies but that is really not the case….altho for our next cruise I will probably get hubby to watch Tangled with me! Castaway Cay adults only area — oh my! heaven on earth!

Nice review. As a non-Disney obsessed old person I really appreciate Disney for how professional they do everything. I also would trust them with my kids or in my case grand kids more than some of the other cruise lines. I’m an avid cruiser and keep reading stuff like your review to talk myself into spending the extra for a Disney Cruise.

My wife and I are not Disney-obsessed either and yet the entire experience has changed the way we view Disney as a corporation. Sure it’s a business and the price hikes each year hurt families, but the extra for the Disney Cruise experience is absolutely worth it IMO. Particularly for parents with small children.

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Disney Magic

Magic at sea., onboard fun.

Delight in an unforgettable vacation aboard the Disney Magic, where there’s always something happening around every corner—including extraordinary entertainment, imaginative recreation and decadent dining.

View All Onboard Activities on the Disney Magic

Entertainment

From dazzling live shows to fireworks at sea, each moment on the Disney Magic is more memorable than the last. View More

Kids clubs, adults-only hotspots, family fun—on the Disney Magic, everyone can have their own dream vacation. View More

Savor gourmet specialties and quick-service bites inside whimsical restaurants peppered with Disney magic. View More

FIREWORKS AT SEA

First-run movies, character greetings, daily activities.

View all Entertainment on the Disney Magic

FOR THE ADULTS

Youth clubs, sports and fitness.

View all Recreation on the Disney Magic

MAIN DINING

Casual dining, adult-exclusive dining.

View all Dining on the Disney Magic

SPOTLIGHT AT SEA

Set your sights on some of the must-see experiences designed to stir your family’s imagination and create memories to last a lifetime.

Tangled: The Musical

Follow the daring adventures of Rapunzel as she escapes her lofty tower in this song-and-dance spectacular based on the film.

Feast on artfully-prepared Northern Italian cooking amid sweeping sea views at this sophisticated, adult-exclusive restaurant.

Marvel Super Hero Academy

Inside Disney’s Oceaneer Club, kids can see their favorite super heroes and enjoy fun-filled games and activities.

Animator’s Palate

Be drawn into the magic of Disney animation at this restaurant that serves up a unique dinner show starring Disney characters.

Strike a chord at this intimate, adults-only nightclub inspired by the swanky piano bars of Hollywood’s glamourous Golden Age.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Step inside this enchanted beauty salon that offers magical, head-to-toe makeovers for young princesses, knights and captains.

On the Disney Magic, your stateroom is your own private retreat—a comfortable, family-size getaway, immaculately appointed and smartly designed to let you stretch out in style and comfort.

Spacious and lavish beyond compare, Concierge staterooms feature separate bedrooms, first-class amenities and unparalleled service.

Breathe in the ocean air from these richly appointed staterooms designed for families of 3 to 5—featuring a private balcony and sweeping sea views.

Unwind in roomy quarters adorned in a charming nautical motif with Art Deco flourishes—plus one or 2 portholes for admiring the scenery.

Sail away in a generous-sized stateroom embellished with artwork, warm wood finishes, custom fabrics and beds fitted with fine Egyptian cotton linens.

PORTS OF CALL

Sail the high seas with the Disney Magic as your guide and drop anchor in some of the world’s most magical places, including Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.

Tropical weather blankets this sun-kissed paradise, where the recreation is renowned and the landscapes are breathtaking.

Glittering waters, invigorating recreation and luxury shopping at deep discounts await you in the cities of the Caribbean.

Disney Magic Cruise Review (with Tips for Families)

If you’re planning to set sail on a Disney cruise vacation, you are probably looking for reviews of the Disney Magic cruise ship. With its main voyage in 1998, the Disney Magic was the very first of all the Disney cruise ships.

The Disney Cruise Line fleet now consists of additional ships to the Magic, including the Disney Dream, Disney Wonder, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish, and upcoming Disney Treasure. The Disney Magic review below is from my family’s first time aboard one of the smaller Disney ships. On this itinerary, we enjoyed a five-night cruise to the Western Caribbean where we visited Castaway Cay and Grand Cayman.

This post features days 4 and 5 from our trip aboard the Disney Magic. You can follow us through a day at sea to learn all the amazing activities and entertainment options available on Disney Magic.

You’ll also get a peek at our visit to Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay. So, continue reading below to see just how much fun you can have on the Disney Magic!

Review of Disney Magic

If you didn’t catch the beginning of this trip review, you can find Days 1-3 here: Disney Cruise Trip Report from Port of Miami . As mentioned above, the review below follows Day 4 of our Disney Christmas cruise, which was a sea day. 

Disney Cruise Line does a really great job of providing lots of onboard activities when you have a day at sea. Below, you can see a copy of the Personal Navigator from our sea day on the Disney Magic. You can also access this information on your Disney Cruise Line App while onboard the ship. I just personally like to have the paper versions too in addition to the app.

Day 4 – Sea Day

If you have been reading from Day 1 of this trip review, you know that I spent the mornings strolling my toddler around the Magic’s Deck 4 Jogging Track since she woke up super early every day. The jogging track circles around the entire outside area of Deck 4, and it’s a really great place to walk and watch the sun come up.

Although it was initially hard to get up and going at 5:30 AM on vacation, I ended up enjoying these morning strolls. The temperature outside was really comfortable even though it was December and the sun had yet to rise. I wore leggings and long sleeves for my walk each morning, but I think I also would have been fine in shorts and a t-shirt. 

After watching the sun rise from Deck 4 each morning, I strolled my toddler up to the  pool deck  for an early breakfast at Daisy’s De-Lites. We liked eating a full breakfast at the Cabanas buffet, so I usually just grabbed small items like fresh fruit and yogurt. Daisy’s De-Lites offered a lot more options, though, like cereal, oatmeal, and muffins.

So, you could fill up from this counter service restaurant if you wanted a smaller meal. Once we finished eating our morning snack, I grabbed coffee from the beverage station on the pool deck. My one year old and I then strolled back down to our stateroom.

Family Entertainment

Day 4 of our trip was a day spent at sea, which meant we had plenty of time to enjoy the Disney Magic cruise ship. If you are wondering what to do on a sea day, I will walk you through each activity we spent time doing.  Disney Cruise Line  had lots of other entertainment and activity options scheduled, but these are the ones we did with our two little ones:

Disney Characters

We had reservations to  meet the princesses  at 9:00 on this sea day. After my husband and I finished our coffee on the verandah, we all got ready for the breakfast buffet. Cabanas wasn’t too busy since we were there at around 8:00. We washed our hands and grabbed a table outside.

It was already really warm out even though it was December. My husband grabbed food and drinks for the four of us so that I could sit with the kids. After eating, we walked down to the atrium where the Princess Gathering was scheduled to take place.

This is one of the free events that you reserve during your  online check in  before the cruise. We stood in line for about 10 minutes before it was our turn. Most of the kids on the cruise are really well behaved in the lines. I think it’s because they can see the character, so they are immediately entertained even if it’s not their turn.

My toddler wanted no part of meeting any of the princesses. The photographers kept trying to get her to pose, but I eventually just picked her up. On this cruise aboard the Disney Magic, Rapunzel, Tiana, and Cinderella were available during the Princess Gathering. We have met different princesses on Disney’s other ships though.

Tangled Scavenger Hunt

One of the activities Disney Cruise Line offered during this sea day was a Rapunzel themed scavenger hunt. You could grab the Spot-a-Thug paper from the Port Adventures desk any time during the day.

Then, as you walked around the ship, you searched for the characters listed on the sheet. We didn’t find all of the characters, but we had a really great time looking for them! Some of them were really well hidden.

Private Concierge Character Meet and Greet

One of the perks that comes with sailing in the  Concierge Level  is a special character meet and greet. The Concierge Hosts put a letter in our stateroom to let us know we were invited to a special reception on this sea day at 10:15.

We arrived at Keys around 10:15 and grabbed a few seats. There were several servers walking around with mimosas and smoothies. Live musicians sang Christmas songs as all of the Concierge guests arrived and found seats.

Then, a pianist came out and played popular Disney songs. While he was playing, Pluto made a grand entrance into the room. Pluto walked around and took pictures with each family. We were there until close to 11:00, and my kids were really eager to swim. So, we headed back to our stateroom to change into swimsuits.

Main Pool Area

We put on our swimsuits and sunscreen and then walked up to the pool deck. My two girls swam and played in the pools and splash zones. These areas were busy, but the kids didn’t seem to mind at all. Also, I just expect the pools to be packed with kids. So, it’s not a huge shock or disappointment to me when they actually are.

↓↓ Visit My Etsy Shop ↓↓

After swimming for a bit, we grabbed an available table on the pool deck for lunch. My kids are both picky eaters, and they don’t like the same foods. So, I had to walk to multiple counters to grab lunch. I picked up pizza for my toddler at Pinocchio’s Pizzaria and a hotdog for my six-year-old at Duck-in Diner. After eating lunch, we all grabbed some FREE soft serve ice cream!

Laundry on a Disney Ship

Once we finished our ice cream, we all went back down to our stateroom to put on dry clothes. I used the laundry bag I had packed to carry some of our dirty clothes down to the launderette. The  laundry process  is really easy. 

You just use your  Key to the World card  to buy detergent, a dryer sheet, and the use of the machines. I think it all totaled less than $5. Then, I went back up to the room to put my toddler down for a nap. My husband took our six-year-old out to finish the scavenger hunt. I received a text message when the washing machine had finished its cycle. 

So, my husband moved our clothes to an available dryer. Once our one-year-old woke up from her nap, we all got ready for our evening activities, including dinner and the Santa Meet and Greet!

Merry Time of Year

Santa was scheduled to be in the atrium at 2:30, and we headed down around 2:00. A HUGE line had already formed. Santa came out a bit earlier than scheduled, but we still stood in line for close to 45 minutes. I suggest getting in line 45 minutes to an hour before Santa is scheduled to make an appearance. 

Another tip is to have a member of your family hold a spot in line. This way little kids aren’t required to stand there for a super long time. I really think Disney Cruise Line needs to make this a pre-reserved event like the Princess Gathering.

My husband ended up staying in line to hold our spot while I took our two girls up the stairs to meet Chip and Dale. Finally, it was our turn to meet Santa, and he was completely worth the wait. The onboard Santa looked so authentic, and we got some really great photos! After meeting Santa, we picked up our laundry from the launderette and took it back to our room. 

I spent a little time folding and organizing it while my husband went to the Concierge Lounge to grab some snacks for all of us. The Kids Clubs were having an open house, so we let our girls run around and explore in the Oceaneer Club for a bit. They loved the huge slide in Andy’s Room!

Disney Magic Dining Rooms

Our dinner on Day 4 was at Rapunzel’s Royal Table. This was one of the things I was most looking forward to for the whole cruise, and it didn’t disappoint! Some of the Pub Thugs were standing at the entrance heckling people as they entered.

One of the servers showed us to our table, and we had a great view of the stage where live musicians were already playing. One of the burly thugs walked over to our table and asked my husband to dance with him.

My husband laughed and politely declined, but he said our six-year-old would probably dance. So, my older daughter got up and danced with the bucket headed thug in the aisle. It was a really special experience!

Our servers came around to take our drink and food orders. I had intentions of taking photos of our food and the menus each night; however, our toddler kept us on our toes during dinners, so this didn’t happen. We were just too busy trying to keep her entertained with bread and toys to get any extra pictures.

The show at Rapunzel’s Royal Table was really entertaining with lots of singing and dancing. The characters make their way around the room for photos and autographs too. Toward the end of the show, the kids can get out of their seats and dance around the room with Rapunzel and characters.

Evening Entertainment and Live Music

After dinner we attended the character dance party in the lobby atrium. We stood against the balcony to have a better view of the stage; however, you can dance with the characters if you watch from the main level.

The live musicians performed on the atrium stage while Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and friends took turns walking down the staircase. The characters then walked out into the crowd to dance with the kids.

Walt Disney Theatre

The live show on Day 4 was Tangled: The Musical . We went up to the Concierge Lounge before the show to pick up popcorn, candy, and drinks to take with us. My husband ended up taking our one-year-old back to the room after about five minutes at the show.

She didn’t want to sit still, nor did she want to go to sleep. So, I stayed to watch Tangled with our six-year-old. The show was really entertaining, and it just basically retold the story from the movie Tangled . After the show, my older daughter and I headed back to our stateroom for bed. We wanted to get plenty of sleep for our final day of the cruise, which was to be spent at Castaway Cay.

Day 5 – Castaway Cay

As mentioned above, on Day 5 of our cruise on the Disney Magic, we visited Castaway Cay in the Bahamas. I grabbed a paper copy of the personal navigator from Guest Services the morning of our stop at Castaway Cay. You can see photos of the daily navigator below. The Disney Cruise Line Navigator App also provides this information while you are onboard the ship.

On Day 5, we woke up to gorgeous weather outside. We had really lucked out this entire trip! Although it was December, the weather had consistently been sunny and in the 80’s. Even the mornings were really pleasant.

The four of us walked up to Cabanas to enjoy the breakfast buffet. We grabbed a table and ate our food with a great view of the island! Then we headed back down to our stateroom to change into swimsuits for the beach.

Once we had all changed and applied sunscreen, we made our way to Deck 1 to disembark the Disney Magic cruise ship. Since we had the stroller with us, we had to take the elevator down. It was around 9:00 at this time, and it wasn’t busy at all.

After you swipe your Key to the World Card and walk off the ship, you can easily grab beach towels from one of the stands pictured above. Even though there is a tram available to shuttle you from the ship to the beach, we enjoy walking along the pathway. It only takes about 10-15 minutes to reach the beach, and you can get some really great pictures along the way.

The beach wasn’t busy at all when we arrived, so we grabbed an available set of chairs to put down our beach items. The island provides both long loungers and short beach chairs like in the photo below.

We like to move the shorter chairs to the shoreline. This allows my husband and I to sit comfortably while our two kids play in the sand.

Beach with Young Kids

The water and sand had a lot more shells and rocks than the last time we had visited, so you may want to pack water shoes to protect your feet. The water was crystal clear and pretty warm for December. My kids played in the sand with the toys they had brought.

At one point they asked for a bucket to make sandcastles. My husband walked over to one of the shops on the island and found a bucket with a shovel for $8. We ended up just throwing this pail away at the end of our trip because we didn’t have space in our suitcases to pack it.

Next time, I will pack the buckets that collapse and don’t take up much space in your luggage. You can find the collapsible sand pails we use in our Disney Cruise packing list !

We let our girls play on the beach for a couple hours. At one point my six-year-old decided she wanted to try the climbing feature in the swimming lagoon. My husband grabbed a swim vest from one of the nearby stands, and the two of them spent some time in that area for a while.

He had to watch her from the water as he wasn’t allowed to climb on it with her. A quick tip for visiting Castaway Cay- this area of the beach was not busy at all and would be a great place to sit with your family!

Pelican Plunge

Around 11:30, we grabbed all of our things and strolled over to Cookie’s BBQ for lunch. It had just opened and wasn’t busy at all. The four of us went through the line and found a picnic table in the pavilion. Our food was good, and the kids even got ice cream for dessert.

We walked around the island for a bit after lunch. Then my six-year-old decided to try the water slides at Pelican Plunge. My husband went with her while I watched from a little observation deck. The lines for the slides weren’t long at all, and both my husband and daughter said they were a ton of fun!

Spring a Leak

Castaway Cay has a water play area called Spring-a-Leak that’s a great place for toddlers and little kids to play. It is located right beside the bike rentals and offers a shaded area with benches for parents to sit. I took my toddler to this splash zone to play while her big sister had fun at Pelican Plunge. My one-year-old loved this little area.

When they finished sliding at Pelican Plunge, my husband and older daughter walked over to Spring-a-Leak to meet us. I wanted our toddler to take a nap, and my six-year-old wanted to swim in the pools onboard the ship one last time. So, we headed back to the Disney Magic. One of the good things about going back to the ship early is that the pool deck isn’t busy at all!

Buena Vista Theatre

Frozen II was scheduled to play in the Buena Vista Theater that afternoon. My six-year-old had been begging to see it again, so I took her to the movie while my husband stayed with our toddler as she napped.

You can pick up popcorn right outside the doors to the theater. Buena Vista Theater wasn’t crowded at all, and we both really enjoyed the movie!

Disney Magic Gratuities

When the movie ended, it was close to dinner time. We went back to the stateroom to organize our tipping envelopes that our stateroom host had left. The gratuities are automatically disbursed to your account, but you can change them if you would like.

You just tear off each ticket and put it in its corresponding envelope. Our Concierge Team was not included in this, so I tipped them separately.

Rotational Dining System

Our toddler had not taken the best nap, and unfortunately, she had decided that she was over this vacation. Needless to say, her behavior by dinner time was not spectacular. I decided to take her to the pool deck for dinner instead of to the main dining room . I knew there was no way she would behave for a sit down meal.

My husband and six-year-old went to Lumiere’s to eat and thank our serving team one last time. They also gave the servers their tip envelopes. I grabbed pizza on the pool deck and sat in a lounger by the pool with our one-year-old. The movie Coco was playing on Funnel Vision, and my toddler had the best time watching it while eating cheese pizza.

Luggage Tags

After dinner, our toddler was completely wiped out. I took her back to the stateroom to go to bed so that I could pack. My husband and I wanted Disney Cruise Line to handle our luggage, so we were supposed to have it in the hall outside our room by 10:00 that night.

It was not smart of me to wait until the last minute to pack everything, and I had to rush to fit everything in our luggage. So, I recommend starting the process much earlier than I did. Luckily, I finished packing and had the bags outside the door on time. I made sure to leave out certain items that we would need that night and the next day:

• diapers/wipes
• hair brush and accessories
• clothes for debarkation day
• shoes for debarkation day
• ID and Key to the World cards

As I was packing up the room, my husband took our six year old to watch the nightly live entertainment in the Walt Disney Theater. The show on Day 5 was Disney Dreams , and they both said they really enjoyed it.

Final Thoughts on the Disney Magic

Although cruising with a toddler isn’t the most stress-free experience, we all truly had a great time. Even though I didn’t get to enjoy the nightly shows as much as I would have liked, it was also enjoyable to relax in our stateroom each evening after a full day of activities.

For information on the final morning of our cruise, you can check out our post on Disney Cruise Line Disembarkation Process . In that article, you can follow us through the last day of vacation when you finally have to leave the ship.

Shari is an experienced planner and organizer for Disney vacations, cruising, and U.S. travel. Her family vacation information, reviews, and tips provide insight for moms and dads everywhere. You can read more about her story, including her journey through breast cancer, in the about me page.

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The Disney Cruise Line Blog

An unofficial disney cruise line news, information, weather, and photo blog..

Recently Submitted Stateroom Reviews

Disney magic stateroom reviews.

First ever cruise and had a great stateroom. Everything was well kept, although at first we were confused by the dual 120/240v outlets, unsure of what voltage they were so had to ask. Only concern with outlets is that one 1 side of bed there is was only 1 elec outlet, so couldn’t put charger there and still use CPAP. So used elec plugs on the desk. Only really heard “ship noise” from in the bathroom but not super noticeable.

I would really just like to clarify the situation regarding electrical outlets, which I had trouble finding before our cruise. If one stands at the foot of the bed, on the right is a single American style outlet and a single European style outlet. On the left side of the bed is a single European style outlet, no American style outlet. So to plug in my CPAP on the right side of the bed required us to get an extension cord from Guest Services. The phone and CPAP took up all the room on the bedside table, so everything else had to be plugged in at the desk in order to charge, and one of the American style outlets didn't hold the plug securely. That is the reason for my Overall Rating of Very Good. We rarely heard Noise from next door and from the hallway. The Location, just aft of the midship elevators, meant we could reach any elevator bank pretty quickly. The only issue with Upkeep was the insecure electrical outlet mentioned above.

This room had a great location just past the Aft elevator and stairs. The porthole, even though obstructed was a great surprise with our GTY inside room. Room was spacious and well kept for the age. Only issues were the lights in the bathroom flickering when going on, the bathtub took forever to fill up, and the noise from the connecting stateroom was pretty loud, even though they were talking at a normal level. We could also hear the hallway ambient music at night. Overall I would stay in this room again, I would just bring earplugs.

This was an AMAZING ROOM. The verandah was larger than normal and has a more unique shape. It is a very private location at the aft and very little foot traffic.

Room and hallway very quiet, well maintained. Porthole showed some signs of wear and tear, though still a great room. Keep the porthole curtains closed at night otherwise that half of the room can be quite chilly in the morning. Overall, highly recommend!

The location of the room was perfect. It was very quick to walk to Cabana's or Palo, or any activity on the ship. Laundry room is about 30 seconds away. The room had a split bath and a decent size. Not as big as Family Deluxe bathrooms, but still useful. This room did not have a drop-down bed from the ceiling but had a large bed and sleeper sofa. We did have an odor in our bathroom and the host and Maintenace came in and took care of it asap.

Wonderful and convenient location to laundry, elevators, and upper decks for pool, entertainment, and lunch and breakfast buffet. No noise from laundry, elevators or entertainment areas. Beautiful veranda views. Bed was comfortable, split bath is convenient, enough storage for luggage, clothes, etc. Did not notice any extra movement or vibrations. Only inconvenience I could mention was there are no plugs near the bed. Only on the desk. Also, the provided hairdryer is weak and basically unusable. It should be replaced. Overall, an excellent experience and we would definitely book this room again.

Disney Wonder Stateroom Reviews

I've sailed on all the Disney ships at this point, and this is by far probably my favorite stateroom I've had on any Disney ship. The location was incomparable, with it being located Forward on Deck 8. The foot traffic past the room is minimal as it's a hallway with a dead-end that only leads to secure access to the bridge. One quick flight up the stairs, and you'll be at the Rainforest Room, Cove Cafe, and Adult Pool area. Also, it's a fast and convenient walk/elevator ride to access the Walt Disney Theater, Cadillac Lounge, Crown & Finn, or the shops. I really enjoyed the toilet room, which is half of the split floorplan in this room category on the Magic/Wonder. It's the most spacious of any Disney ships, and the additional counter space and layout are a bonus. Also, the location under the men's changing room in the spa made it a tranquil stateroom, even in the evenings/mornings. The fact it's located directly under the center of the cantilevered "hump" on Deck 9 provided additional privacy on the verandah as well as cover/shade from the elements/sun. We sailed from Hawaii to Vancouver in this room, and even with several days of rough seas, we experienced much less creaking noise compared to others in different parts of the ship. I highly recommend this room!

We were apprehensive about staying on deck 1, but ended up loving this stateroom. The layout for the deluxe inside stateroom has the sofa closer to the door and the bed at the end of the room. Opposite the foot of the bed is a little cabinet with a lot of storage room. There is storage in the desk and the chest of drawers next to the closet. All in all we found that there was a lot of storage space in this stateroom. A nice feature was a small padded bench on the wall between the chest of drawers and the desk with storage underneath. That's where we kept our shoes. The stateroom was in very good repair, a few scratches on the furniture here and there. We loved the location of the stateroom. You had easy access to the forward and midship elevators and they were always empty. The hallway is fairly short and therefore there was never a lot of traffic. There is no connecting door. The stateroom was very quiet. There was only a tiny bit of shaking going on one morning while docking, otherwise there was no engine noise or vibrations.

Disney Dream Stateroom Reviews

This was a very nice room in a convenient location to the aft elevators. For the 2 of us, it was HUGE. This was the biggest stateroom we've ever had in our 10 DCL cruises. This was the VGT GTY stateroom assigned to us. We certainly couldn't complain. The only complaint was that there were very few USB outlets. That did make the stateroom seem a bit outdated.

Quiet, low-motion room close to atrium, tender lobby, theatre, and main restaurants. Very little traffic in the hall from guests or crew. Tender boats do pull up right below the large porthole, which did create some noise at tender ports, but otherwise, we had minimal noise from above or below (travel companions were in room 2504 and occasionally heard noise from Preludes, which was directly above). Room was consistently immaculate and staff was kind and helpful.

I had never reserved an Oceanview Stateroom with a large porthole window (usually I like the verandah) or Forward on the ship (usually I like Aft), however, I fell in love with this room. The location was great. The room was spacious enough for one person. No noise from neighbors or hallway. Room attendant was wonderful. Being forward, the elevators were never a problem being crowded. I slept like a baby for the 10 nights I was on the cruise. The shampoo, conditioner, and body wash were in the large dispensers. I miss the personal travel size bottles but not enough to cause any problems on the cruise. At night, it was relaxing to watch the moonlight through the porthole as I drifted off to sleep. Laundry room was just one floor up on the 9th floor. Quick, convenient, and easy to get to. However, VERY POPULAR as the cruise went on, but the guests were polite and considerate. I guess I was lucky? Didn't feel the motion of the ship as we sailed. Easy to get up to the Adults Only section of the pool and the Senses Spa.

We loved this room! It was so big and has two separate televisions in the room. The muster station is the Walt Disney Theatre where they hold the stage shows. A few things this room doesn’t have. Surprised they only have it sleep 3 and not 4. This room does not have the pull down ceiling bunk. It only has the couch bed. It does not have the split bathroom. It also doesn’t have the curtain to separate the room like the other rooms (we brought our own hung with magnets from the ceiling, make sure they are strong). There is only one outlet on the porthole side of the bed nightstand not the other. The rest of the plug options are on the desk. It is nice that is located away from the elevators and high traffic areas. You do hear some sound from the stage shows if your in the room instead of attending the shows but it wasn’t enough to bother us. If you have a child that is attending the Vibe kids club there is a door just down the hall that opens to just outside the kids club entrance. Anyone can access that door as another way to get outside to walk down to deck 4.

This is a great stateroom that has a murphy bed and a bunk bed from the ceiling. It has the large port hole which offers a great view and the round tub with a rainforest shower as the staterooms in this category all have. We love this category as the staterooms feel very spacious and the porthole gives you a lot of natural light and you can sit on the sofa and look out over the ocean. The stateroom was in very good condition. The location is nearly all the way forward and therefore very quiet as nearly no one walks by there. The only noise was when the ship had to turn when docking or leaving port, the thrusters caused a lot of vibration and with that some noise. We didn't mind, but it woke us up every morning when we were docking. There is a laundry room on the other side of the ship all the way forward, so very close without any noise from there bothering you there. We liked deck 7 as it was kind of in the middle between pool deck and atrium and both could be reached via stairs without issues.

We spent 3 weeks in this room for EBTA & Mediterranean cruises. location is near the adult deck areas, the gym and spa, and the Cove Cafe. It’s also a quick trip down the stairs to the Walt Disney theater, where many of the port adventure groups met. We were assigned the room after booking VGT rate, and we really enjoyed being able to see the officers navigate into ports (you can see the side navigation area). The room is located directly under the gym, and if fellow guests don’t know how to use the equipment properly, they slam down the weights. On the 14 day transatlantic, we never heard anything, even though the gym was often full, The following week, in the Mediterranean, every afternoon the equipment was constantly slamming in sets of 10. If you have a young child who naps or maybe if you sleep in, this room would likely be a poor choice. As adults who wake up early and don’t spend much time in the room, we just thought it was funny and we’re still pleased with the GTY room assignment.

We were in this room & connecting room 6610. We we were also traveling with extended family who were booked in connecting rooms 6612 & 6614 next door. 6608 did not have a murphy bed but did have the pull down bunk bed. The room was in great repair and our verandah's all had amazing views of Castaway Cay on the starboard side. We we were right in between aft and midship elevators making for easy access to most everything we wanted to do, especially to the kids club.

We were in this room & connecting room 6608. We we were also traveling with extended family who were booked in connecting rooms 6612 & 6614 next door. The room was in great repair and our verandah's (that we had our stateroom hosts open the dividers to connect all 4) had amazing views of Castaway Cay on the starboard side. We we were right in between aft and midship elevators making for easy access to most everything we wanted to do, especially to the kids club.

Disney Fantasy Stateroom Reviews

The Good - In my opinion, the location of this room is fantastic. It is right by the Aft staircase/elevator which leads directly to the Cabanas buffet and the pool deck. Because it is far Aft, there was practically no noise from the hallway and felt very private. The room itself was very clean and in great condition. The Okay - Because this room is far Aft, there was a good amount of vibration coming from the engine; at first the vibrations were somewhat annoying, but I got used to it rather quickly. The room is directly below the Deck 10 Cabanas restaurant "bump-out" that hangs over the verandah of this room. It provides extra shade and rain protection, but it also has support beams that obstruct the view a tiny bit. Because the room is directly below Cabanas restaurant, every now and then you can hear very faint sounds of carts or chairs being moved. The Bad - If you are booking with the adjoining room 10146, note that the verandah divider CANNOT be removed, as it is structural (due to the bump-out). This was the biggest disappointment, since the whole reason we booked adjoining rooms was so that we could all sit on our verandah together. If you are booking adjoining rooms, I would book elsewhere.

Great stateroom! Close to elevators, Very small amount of talking occasionally from the hallways, doesn’t bother me. Looked Brand New! Our stateroom host was out of this world amazing! This stateroom has split Washrooms, queen bed, sofa, and upper bunk. Great views of Cozumel and could see mountains in Jamaica, Cabanas is 3 decks directly up. Enjoy the room!

Disney Wish Stateroom Reviews

Booked last minute and we were assigned this room. You are underneath the overhang of deck 11 so you will not get sun on your verandah at all. Was worried about the noise from the buffet above us but we did not really hear much..none if you had the TV on. Quiet as it was in the aft of the ship so not many rooms past ours.

This is an amazing room! It’s a concierge ocean view but because of the odd shape of the room, it’s basically a one bedroom suite. The bedroom completely closes off from the living room. The whole room is huge! Perfect for families with kids so parents get their own room. The living room area has at least one pull down bed and the sofa turns into a bed. The only annoying thing is you have to go up one level for the concierge lounge, but that’s no big deal in the scheme of things!

This room was great. I wish I would have taken pictures before we got there. Then never took any when in it. The room is bigger than the layout plan shown on this site. It doesn't have the Murphy bed, but an empty space with an extra chair and a small sliding table with a painting of Louis playing the horn. The other wall has the connecting room door on it. The room is located just a bit down from the stairs and elevator toward the aft. It was only two floors from the Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods. You exit toward Mickey's Smokestack BBQ. Every time you get to that deck you smell the BBQ and can't help but stop. You never heard anyone walking down the hallway even with the hallway of the interior staterooms facing the door. It does have the start of the biggest bump-outs for the veranda. It is narrower on one side than the other but not enough to worry about space. Didn't feel too much rocking only when the ship was really moving at high speed. One of the attendant's work areas is right down from the door so you will always be able to find the room attendants if you need them. I would really recommend this room if it's available.

Really great location! We were a few staterooms from the elevators & stairs. Conveniently located down the hall from the Concierge Lounge and only one flight of stairs above the pizza & barbeque. (Our teens favorite!) Very quiet location. Stateroom was very nicely decorated (Tangled themed) although the King sized bed took up so much room, wish it was Queen sized. It was a bit of a squeeze for our family of 5 (our kids are older teens/young adults)

The stateroom is right off the pool deck and near all the delicious snack food if wanting to get a quick snack between lunch and dinner or before bed.

The only reason noise gets 3 out of 5 is because sometimes you hear the later deck parties when you are trying to sleep. Other than that it’s a great room.

This cabin is an handicap. There is no split bath & one very large bathroom with a roll in shower. It was actually very comfortable within & the shower drained great so no water problems. The air conditioner was wonky, I think because of the odd shape of the room, it is bigger but the beds are all on top of each other. The pull out couch squeaked loudly & my DD is 120lbs not very heavy. The room steward was wonderful & supplied an additional device to help cool down the room. This cabin is on the very end of 13 & the public deck is on your immediate left (of the verandah) It's a private type nook out on the other side of your balcony others pushed behind the chairs & camped out here every day loudly playing music on blue tooth speakers. Even when I requested they at least quiet the music it was their vacation so in order for them to enjoy it diminished my being able to use the outdoor space. They backed up & peered into our balcony, just super uncomfortable so basically I paid for a verandah I could not use. I was told to monitor it & call guest services if it became to much. I wasn't playing pool deck police so this cabin is a true waste of concierge monies. Choose any other cabin. Cabin was clean with 2 TV's. The smoking area is directly above so cigarette smoke can be detected faintly IF outside while at port.

Great cabin right across from the concierge lounge. Everything in working order and well maintained. Seemed to lack a bit of storage space but we made due just fine. The split bath was perfect, not as tight as the Magic & very comfortable. We would book this cabin again. Also it connected to a 1 bedroom & we were wondering about the noise level of the 5 people including 3 little ones, never heard a peep! #great cabin!

Great quiet little hallway of a few staterooms off Marvel Superhero Academy, Forward Elevators and Walt Disney Theater on Deck 2. Sofa ( stiff as a board) faces forward to the bow. My 14 year old could sit in the window although it is a smaller porthole and not the Floor to Ceiling one. Easy access to Grand Hall and deck 4 lounges. Easy to get up to Deck 11 elevators for fountain drink access. Easy to roll over to 8am Marvel Character meet and greets in Marvel Superhero and to wait in Open House for the hallway to open ( which was 2pm on our sailing) for staterooms to be available on embarkation day. Only day elevators were difficult were getting from Luna Port side Muster up to Sail Away but if you plan in patience it is just fine. We did express walk off so not sure how full elevators were if you could not carry your bags up a flight of stairs. Super short quiet hallway, no noise from above and little noise at Castaway Cay arrival. Could not feel the ship move in that room as we did have calm seas but wow felt like you were on land. Wish they would add more artwork to the walls in the room. Did like the bunk light but the ceiling was just paint, not lighted. Very little drawer space and this is a connecting stateroom.

We are a family of 3. Just my husband, myself and our 7yo son. This room had more than enough room for us. The verandah was perfect and since you are all the way in the aft and starboard be prepared to wake up at Castaway Cay with the most gorgeous view! We did not have any noise issues, but we use a sound machine for night time (it’s the same noise machine our son uses at home so we keep it to help with his sleep routine) no complaints from us it was a WISH come true!!

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Disney Magic

Cruise line Disney Cruise Line

• Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades, Florida)
• Galveston (Texas)
• New Orleans (Port NOLA Louisiana)

Disney Magic current position

Disney Magic current location is at Caribbean Sea (coordinates 16.29492 N / -63.05591 W) cruising at speed of 17.9 kn (33 km/h | 21 mph) en route to BB BGI > US SJU. The AIS position was reported 2 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Disney Magic

Disney Magic current cruise is 7 days, round-trip Southern Caribbean Cruise From San Juan . Prices start from USD 3438 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 27 Apr, 2024 and ends on 04 May, 2024 .

Specifications of Disney Magic

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Disney Magic Itineraries

Disney magic review, review of disney magic.

The 1998-built MS Disney Magic cruise ship is Walt Disney 's first (oldest) liner with sistership Disney Wonder (1999).

The vessel (IMO number 9126807) is currently Bahamas- flagged (MMSI 308516000) and registered in Nassau .

History - construction and ownership

DCL-Disney Cruise Line is a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company (shipowner). The company was incorporated in 1996 as "Magical Cruise Company Ltd". Walt Disney also owns the Bahamian private island Castaway Cay (exclusive port of call - for Disney ships only) and an exclusive Cruise Terminal at Port Canaveral (Orlando Florida) . Disney cruises are marketed as "family vacations" and feature unique and exclusive activities, such as costumed Disney Characters, adults-only deck areas, dedicated facilities for teens, kids and infants-toddlers, signature (trademarked) shipboard facilities and activities, themed live entertainment.

The 1750-passenger ship Disney Magic provides some of the best sea travel vacation experiences. And just like all Disney businesses, the ship's primary market are families with small children (mostly kids younger than 8) - the major revenue provider for the Walt Disney company. However, on Disney Magic, you'll also find many passengers traveling without kids.

The ever first Disney ship, Magic was launched in 1998 to serve the special preferences of a new generation Disney package vacation fun fans. The Disney Magic ship design resembles the 1920's luxurious ocean liners, but what really makes this vessel worthy of its Disney name are all the Disney characters, special facilities, and unique fun activities on-board, along with the greatest kids programs at sea, the most Magic-al deck parties, and excellent service.

The CLIENTELE consists almost entirely of USA and Canada Disney cruise fun fans. The new Disney approach to children by age-related activities and specially dedicated onboard venues makes all ships mostly appealing for multi-generational travelers.

Disney Magic DRESS CODE - day casual and evening resort casual, meaning for men - jackets (no ties) and pants, and for women - summer dresses (no swimwear-shorts-jeans in the main restaurants at dinner). All Disney Magic 7-day sailings include one formal and one semi-formal night.

Disney Magic TIPS (totaling US $12 PP per day, automatically charged to guests' shipboard accounts), given to $8 waiters (dining room server $4, assistant server $3, head server $1) and $4 to cabin attendants. Additionally, a 15% gratuity is included on all bar drinks and onboard service areas.

Decks and Cabins

Most Disney Magic staterooms (877 total, in 22 grades) are 225-260-ft2 Balconies. The ship has 22 Suites, 362 Balcony, 235 Oceanview and 256 Inside cabins. The largest accommodations are Royal Suites (845 ft2 / 79 m2 plus 185 ft2 / 17 m2 terrace).

The ever-first Disney ship Magic boasts elegant Art Deco decorations of public spaces and a most affordable luxury in all its staterooms, of which even the standard cabins are designed as mini-suites (separate bedroom and living areas).

All Disney Magic cabins are designed with families in mind - some of the most spacious and most elegant at sea, and of course - with "Mickeys" everywhere. Cabins are quiet and offer comfortable privacy, appealing to both families and people traveling without youngsters. Even the standard Disney Magic cabins boast a separate bedroom and a living area (common to mini-suite accommodations of other brands), 2 beds convertible to a queen, the living room including a convertible sofa (an option for 3rd single bed); many cabins also have bunk beds (for a 4th person).

Disney Magic family cruise cabins for families of 5 have a Murphy bed. Plenty of drawers, a closet with sliding doors, a desk-dressing table, a smart HDTV, electronic safe bos, 2 portable "Wave Phones" (with texting capabilities and coverage throughout the ship and on Castaway island).

A unique feature of all Disney cruise cabins are the split-bathrooms ("bath and a half" configurations) - one with a toilet and a sink, the other with tub-shower-sink (the cheapest insides with a single bath 1 sink). Decent bathroom amenities (soap-shampoo-conditioner-lotion), a hairdryer.

All Disney Magic suites are located on Deck 8 and feature concierge service, deluxe design elements, huge Jacuzzis, better quality mattresses and large verandas (among the additional amenities are robes, slippers, and a vanity pack).

The boat has 11 decks , of which 6 are with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Disney Magic dining options include 3 main restaurants with the most fun rotational dining scheme (whatever the restaurant, your table number is the same, as well as companions and servers), a traditional 2-seating (at 5:45 and 8:15 pm, the earlier cater to the youngest kids). The traditional "Lumiere's" restaurant is decorated Art Deco (French menu), the "Animator's Palate" boast special light effects and video LED screens, and the "Carioca's" is a Caribbean-themed dining room with the most fun waiters and decorated in beautiful bright colors (this restaurant is also available for breakfast-lunch buffets).

The Disney Magic ship food experience features ample portions (everything is on-board made), with several choices of salads and fresh vegetables, a great variety of seafood, meats, pasta, and naturally, a separate kids menu is available.

Casual dining onboard is called "Cabanas" (a buffet restaurant, located high up and aft (overlooking the stern, a great outdoor dining option). Deck 9 offers 3 fast-food stations - the "Pete's Boiler Bites", the "Pinocchio's Pizzeria" and the "Daisy's De-Lites".

Specialty dining options are offered at "Palo" (an adults-only fine restaurant (costs extra, located on Deck 10; reservations are required, it's a relatively small venue, so early booking is advisable). Italian (Med) cuisine, including superb fish and seafood dishes, the brunch here offers Champagne and cold buffet with seafood and meats, great salads and desserts, and hot made-to-order selections (eggs-meat-fish).

The room service menu is simple (cold sandwiches, salads, hot dogs, burgers, lasagna, pizza, cookies), the service is fast, and suite guests enjoy hot breakfast and dining room meals options. Free drinks (Coca-Cola products) are also available at meals and at the 24-hour drink pavilion (Deck 9 aft).

Follows the complete list of Disney Magic restaurants and food bars.

• Lumiere's Restaurant (471-seat forward Dining Room; with two open Dinner servings - 5:30 p.m.-6 p.m. and 8 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; on 7+ day cruises features Gala Dessert Buffet)
• Carioca's / Parrot Cay Restaurant (471-seat aft Dining Room with South American and Brazilian specialties for dinner)
• Animator's Palate Restaurant (471- seat aft Dining Room, animator's studio design, features favorite Disney-character dinner shows; serves complimentary drinks; Rotational Dining with two fixed Dinner seatings - at 5:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.)
• Cabanas (self-service complimentary restaurant with American cuisine, pasta, sushi)
• Pinocchio's Pizzeria (outdoor complimentary restaurant, poolside)
• Pete's Boiler Bites (fast food outdoor eatery; Lunch and Dinner)
• Daisy's De-Lites (outdoor fast-food eatery, poolside)
• Palo (116-seat Italian specialty restaurant; adults-only, reservation-only; aft location; bookings via the internet or on board).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

The Disney Magic ship public rooms are nothing short to amazing. The "Walt Disney" Theater has a capacity of 977 seats and offers live performances and huge Disney productions (like Broadway-style musicals and classy review shows) on a 2-deck-high rotational stage. The "Buena Vista" Theater is smaller (showing Disney movies). Most of the ship's public spaces are on Decks 3-4-5. The most famous are: the Promenade Lounge (family-friendly, great music), Studio Sea (game shows, exhibitions, karaoke), the Atrium (a great place to meet Disney characters for an autograph, the place for the Captain's cocktail party and for Disney pin trading), 3 shops (on Deck 4 are "Mickey's Mates" (Disney memorabilia and postcards) and "Treasure Ketch" (logos, jewelry, watches), and the duty-free "Up Beat" is on Deck 3 (perfumes, liquor). The pool deck's adult section has a coffee house - the Cove Cafe (specialty coffees, bar drinks).

Like all Disney ships, the Magic has no casino (there's bingo with good jackpots). One of the features that make the Magic ship a special place to be is the deck parties, the highlight being "The Pirates in the Caribbean" Party - a great, most attended by all age groups themed Disney ship cruise fun.

Naturally, most of the shipboard entertainment is Disney themed (like the goldies "Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story", "Villains Tonight!" and the "Disney Dreams") with all the feature Disney characters). And there are Disney movies, including first-runs (shown in the ship's two theaters "Buena Vista" and "Walt Disney") and Disney 3D movies.

In lounges and clubs, there are numerous family activities during the day - dance parties, bingo, pirate quests, shuffleboard and video games tournaments, all kinds of contests, pool games, family karaoke, dance lessons, talent shows. Between dinner times, there is a short family-friendly cabaret show, with its adult version after hours.

Most of the adult-themed activities are at night for guests ages 18-25, like "Match Your Mate", "Singles' Mingle" and "College Club Social". The Magic ship's adult-only daytime programs are 3: the "Navigating the Seas" series (lectures and video info about the ship), the "Disney Behind the Scenes" series (about the "know-how" of Disney specials - from food to entertainment) and the "Art of Entertaining" series, all of which are at no additional charge (for wine tastings there's a $12 charge, $15 for martini and margarita tastings).

MS Disney Magic kids cruise programs are the main reason for the Disney Magic line's high loyalty guests ratio. Designed with families in mind, there are several huge areas onboard, designated for kids with activities for every age level. All kids ages 3-10 have access to 2 interconnected club areas - the Oceaneer's "Club" (7-10 yo) and "Lab" (8-12 yo).

Kids clubs occupy an enormous space resembling a pirate ship, with PCs and TV monitors cloaked in treasure chests, and fun activities like cooking classes, games and contests, food-fests and pool parties. "Edge" is the tweens' club (11-13 yo) with PC and PS games, arts and crafts, and a bridge simulator for navigating a ship. The teen-only area (14-17 yo) is called "Vibe" (located in a funnel midship) - a special lounge with huge couches, flat TVs and video games, other hit activities are the dance parties and the karaoke. All kids programs (age 3+) are complimentary.

"It's A Small World" ship nursery (babies 3 months to 3 years of age) is at an additional cost of $6 per hour ($5 for the 2nd child). An online service allows guests to order from over 1,000 "Babies Travel Lite" products in advance of their sailing (delivered to their cabin). All services are also available on Castaway Cay. All Disney children counselors are college educated, well experienced and attentive.

Follows the complete list of Disney Magic lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Walt Disney Magic Theatre (977-seat, 3-decks high; offers live shows, aerial acrobatics performances, grand-style productions, 3D movies; with two evening shows - at 6:15 pm and 8:30 pm)
• Magic's Atrium (3-deck high central ship area, featuring custom-made carpet, new furnishings, art deco chandelier, grand piano, and large portholes, with "Helmsman Mickey" bronze statue)
• After Hours/Beat Street (3 clubs' entertainment district, adults only after 9 p.m.; Fathom, Keys and O'Gill's Pub)
• Fathom Lounge Disco & Nightclub
• Keys (adults-only piano bar, features handcrafted cocktails)
• O'Gill's Pub (sports bar, with large TVs and live music)
• Mickey's Mates; Mickey's Mainsail (Disney brand logo shops for postcards, souvenirs, DVDs, toys, clothes, games)
• Sea Treasures (duty-free crystal, brand jewelry, watches, precious stones, Disney merchandise, underwear, sport, and swimming apparel); Quacks (Disney logo swimwear, T-shirts, towels)
• Up Beat (duty-free brand jewelry, perfumes, liquor, and tobaccos); Treasure Ketch (duty-free shop); Whitecaps (Disney logo goods)
• Promenade Lounge (104-seat family venue with full bar service, specialty coffees, and drinks; with the Internet Cafe)
• Studio Sea (game shows, exhibitions, karaoke)
• Buena Vista Theatre (268-seat 4D cinema, features 3D movies, Dolby Surround 7.1, and Dolby 3D movie technology)
• Preludes Bar (quick wait-service snacks and beverages bar)
• Shutters PhotoShop (photo packages, accessories, photographic services); Vista Gallery
• D Lounge Bar & Nightclub
• Vibe Disco & Club Lounge (teens only)
• It's A Small World Nursery (for 3 months to 3 yo infants and toddlers; reservations required)
• Magic's Oceaneer Club (kids 3-12 yo; with four play areas with themes from Disney films); Magic's Oceaneer Lab (play area for kids 3-12 yo)
• Senses Spa & Fitness Complex (with Treatment Salon, Roman Bath, Sauna, Relaxation Room; Fitness Centre /health and wellbeing seminars; Beauty Salon)
• Senses Spa Villas (private suites with own hot tub, private verandah, Roman bed with canopy, open-air shower)
• Quiet Cove Pool (adults only pool, served by Cove Bar; with 2 Whirlpools)
• Cove Cafe (adult-only, with large LED TV screen; Wi-Fi spot)
• Signals Bar (adults-only bar for snacks and beverages, poolside)
• Eye Scream Treats Bar (complimentary ice cream, poolside)
• Frozone Treats (iced fruit smoothies bar, poolside)
• Eye Scream Treats (Monsters Inc themed ice cream parlor)
• Goofy's Family Pool; Mickey's Pool; Nephews' Splash Zone; AquaDunk Water Slide; AquaLab (kids interactive water play area)
• Quarter Masters (video games arcade)
• Edge Lounge (11-14 yo teens-only club area, with a giant video wall, interactive games, Internet)
• 24x14ft Outdoor LED movie screen
• Wide World of Sports Court (basketball, volleyball, soccer)
• Radio Studio (live radio programs for Disney Magic itinerary-related news and onboard events)
• Outlook Bar (retreat area with a piano and full bar; hosts weddings receptions).

Following drydock 2023 refurbishment, Disney Magic now has a new venue - Soul Cat Lounge, themed after Disney's computer-animated film "Soul" (2020).

The Soul Cat Lounge (near Rapunzel's Royal Table restaurant/aft on deck 3) is designed to resemble Half Note Lounge from the movie (Joe Gardner's favorite music spot). The venue is music-themed, with a classic NYC jazz club ambiance and an interior featuring brick walls, wooden accents, comfortable leather seating (surrounding a stage for live music performances in the evenings), Pixar-themed artworks (record labels, concert posters, portraits of Dorothea Williams and her bandmates), music-themed design elements (record players, instruments, Joe Gardner's hat). Table-side are served local brews, signature cocktails (made with New York spirits), a selection of mocktails, brand coffees, sodas, zeppoles (Italian fried doughnuts).

The new production show "An Encanto Celebration" allows guests to engage in music, crafts, and storytelling alongside La Familia Madrigal (family from the Encanto movie). The experience includes meeting and taking photos with Mirabel and Bruno, a sing-along of Encanto songs, creating movie-inspired butterflies and flower crafts. During the show, guests can also enjoy a selection of Colombian beers, cocktails, sodas, film-inspired mocktails.

Itineraries

Disney Magic itinerary program is based on Caribbean and Bahamas roundtrips departing from PortMiami Florida USA , all visiting the DCL's private Bahamian island Castaway Cay .

In September 2020, the liner had planned a European (UK and Ireland) season with 7-day roundtrips from homeport Dover visiting Plymouth , Cork , Liverpool , Greenock , Dublin .

Following the Coronavirus crisis, for summer 2021 (June-September), the ship was scheduled to operate cruises-to-nowhere (mostly 2-3-night plus limited 4-night roundtrips) from homeports London-Tilbury , Liverpool , Newcastle , and Southampton . These unique for DCL itineraries (called "Sea Staycations") were open for booking by UK residents-only and without any call ports.

In fall 2022 the ship operated 7-day NYC to Bermuda (Kings Wharf) itineraries. Since November 2022, Disney Magic is homeported in Galveston Texas for short-breaks (4-night and 5-night) to Mexico's Cozumel and Progreso .

On February 18, 2023, started Disney Magic's homeporting in NOLA/New Orleans Louisiana . The program (run though April 10th) was based on 4-5-6-day roundtrip Western Caribbean itineraries visiting Cozumel (4-day), Cozumel plus Costa Maya (5-day) and Cozumel plus Grand Cayman/George Town Harbour (6-day).

Disney Magic - user reviews and comments

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Disney Magic Wiki

The Walt Disney ship Magic is company's first-ever liner, followed by sistership Disney Wonder . Each vessel is 40% smaller in size compared to the 2 newer Disney ships Dream and Fantasy . The inaugural cruise/Maiden Voyage started on July 30, 1998. Ship's Godmother was Patricia Disney (1935-2012) - wife of Roy Edward Disney (1930-2009) who was a senior executive (Vice Chairman and Chairman) for The Walt Disney Company in the period 1954-2009.

The vessel (Fincantieri Marghera yard/hull number 5989) is powered by Wartsila-Sulzer marine diesel engines (model 16ZAV40S) with total power output 58,25 MW. The propulsion system is diesel-electric.

Fun fact is that MS Disney Magic held the record for paying the highest-ever regular Panama Canal passing toll (exactly USD 331,200). However, the record was beaten later by the Princess Cruises ship Coral Princess (USD 400,000).

Outside, the vessel looks like an ocean liner from the early-20th century. Interior decorations are influenced by both Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. On Magic debuted many of Disney's Marvel superheroes - a really thrilling experience for the youngest passengers.

Disney Magic refurbishments review

Disney Magic was last drydock-refurbished in 2023 (April 15 thru May 4) at Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport .

The 3-week refurbishment included general maintenance works and machinery overhauls, as well as renovation of passenger cabins and public spaces. During the drydock, the Concierge Lounge was redesigned and all concierge staterooms (plus the Royal Suites) were completely refurbished with new fixtures, furniture, artworks.

A new music-themed venue (decorated in themes from Disney's computer-animated film "Soul"/2020) was created - Soul Cat Lounge (aft on deck 3). Also were introduced new movie-themed entertainment programs for families as well as the "An Encanto Celebration" production show (themed on Disney's animation film "Encanto"/2021).

During drydock 2023 was also installed shore power connectivity  allowing the ship to plug in and use the port city's power grid electricity for all onboard services while berthed.

Drydock 2019

During the refurbishment in 2019 were added Rapunzel's Royal Table (themed restaurant/aft on deck 3), the teen club was transformed, Cove Cafe (adults-only venue) was redesigned and Club Disney Junior (lounge part of Disney's Oceaneer Club) was added.

Also was redesigned the Rainforest Room in the adults-only Senses Spa (steam and hydrotherapy).

Drydock 2015

The refurbishment in 2015 (September 5-18, in Cadiz) was for extensive renovations (restaurants, bars, spa, atrium, staterooms, kids area), Dream-class concepts (waterslide starting near the funnel's top and swinging out over the side of the ship), lighting/audio upgrades.

The project also included general maintenance works and propulsion system upgrade.

Drydock 2013

The list of deck plan changes after the ship's 6-week long drydock 2013 refurbishment in Cadiz Spain (September 7 through October 10, at Navantia's Puerto Real Shipyard) included:

• AquaDunk (new waterslide), AquaLab (interactive water play area with the Twist n’ Spout waterslide)
• Animator’s Palette restaurant (ex-Studio C) with new flat TVs, lights, walls, speakers
• new Carioca’s (Brazilian-themed restaurant replacing Parrot Cay)
• new Cabanas (replacing Topsider Buffet, hugely enlarged)
• Palo (renovations- new fixtures, glass artwork, stone floor)
• Mickey’s Mainsail (new shop)
• (Deck 3) After Hours district now with the Fathoms (disco club), Keys (piano bar, replacing Cadillac Bar) and O’Gills (Irish pub)
• expanded Senses Spa (by 725 ft2), now with Barbershop, Chill Spa and Smile Spa
• shop upgrades (Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Anna & Elsa’s Boutique)
• "It's a Small World Nursery", "Nephews"
• renovated and redesigned passenger rooms (elevated beds for more storage space)
• Lobby Atrium changes (2nd staircase removed, the Chihuly chandelier replaced with an Art Deco one)

Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab changes - now with Marvel's Avengers Academy (the first on a Disney ship), Andy's Room (now has the Slinky Dog slide, Mr. Potato Head and Hamm the piggy bank), also changed are the interiors of the rooms Pixie Hollow, and the Mickey Mouse Club.

The Edge (teen club) was relocated (from deck 2 to deck 9), its area was expanded and the amenities there were enhanced (new gaming stations, dance floor).

Also were conducted general maintenance of all mechanical systems, hull and interior painting, piping, propulsion system upgrade (for reducing fuel consumption). 400+ contract workers were employed for all the refurb jobs.

Service history/itineraries review (1998-2016)

Follows the ship's concise service history (former itineraries):

• [1998-2005] 7-day Caribbean from Port Canaveral (Orlando) Florida
• [2005-2012] relocated to San Diego CA
• [2012-2013] relocated to NYC New York and sailing from there to the Bahamas, Canada/New England
• [2013 June] relocated to Europe ( Barcelona ) for the summer season, also receiving a 6-week extensive refurbishment. After the 2013 Transatlantic crossing started departures out of Miami FL , later was repositioned back to Orlando.

In 2016, Disney deployed the Magic ship in Europe. For the first time ever, Disney offered UK cruise departures (from Dover England) to ports in Baltic Sea (incl Norwegian Fjords), Iceland, UK (British Isles). Throughout 2016 summer, the ship operated in the Western Mediterranean (leaving from Barcelona ). After that followed a 12-day Transatlantic repositioning to NYC for round-trip cruises to Canada (5-6-day to New England - Saint John NB and Halifax NS) and 8-9-day to Florida-Bahamas (visiting Port Canaveral, Nassau, and the private island Castaway Cay).

My First Disney Cruise – Everything I Loved and Hated (Honest Photo Review)

For YEARS I’ve wanted to try a Disney cruise and last week I finally did it.

I’ve just disembarked the Disney Magic and I thought I knew what to expect from a Disney cruise, I’ve been cruising since I was a child with other cruise lines but this cruise was the biggest culture shock ever.

Every couple of hours I would find something new that I didn’t expect at all, some of which were really great surprises and some things I really didn’t like at all. 

I was definitely skeptical when I booked this cruise. I’d heard amazing things from my friends who love Disney but I just didn’t see how a Disney cruise could be worth the price.

This cruise was the most expensive cruise I’ve ever paid for and it was 3x what I usually pay when I cruise. 

I was worried that I’d feel as though I wasted that money and although I’d heard about how amazing the food was and the service but I wasn’t sure if this was better than the other cruise lines that I know and love, would it be 3x better to justify the cost? Or if it was just a case of paying a premium for the Disney brand. 

Why Did I Decide to Book a Disney Cruise?

When I saw that a Disney ship was coming to the UK though, I thought this was my chance. I’ve been curious about it for years and although I didn’t think I was the target market for a Disney cruise. I wanted to find out who was. 

The Disney cruise experience started before we even got to the port.

When I booked this cruise, Mickey Mouse phoned me to welcome me on board when I boarded the ship, Mickey and Minnie were there to welcome us too.

Mickey and Minnie Welcomed us Onboard 

Usually when you embark on a cruise you might be handed a glass of something bubbly but you’re pretty much left to your own devices, you can just wander off and explore the ship but on the Disney Magic when you board, your family name is announced and Mickey and Minnie do a dance.

It was a great start to the cruise because it really kind of set the scene, there was never any doubt what cruise line you were on and the kids seemed to love it. 

The crew do this same kind of welcome show over and over again for embarking guests and afterward we were sent on to do our muster drill.

The Muster Drill Was Completed Next

The muster drill is a compulsory safety drill that has to be completed on cruises where they tell you about things like what would happen in an emergency and how to put on a life jacket.

The muster drill was completed on our phones and Disney have an app that you use to do most things onboard.

The app was pretty good overall. There are definitely other cruise lines with better tech and better apps but that isn’t really the point of a Disney cruise. 

We went onto find our muster station and had to scan the sign with our phones. Mum’s phone was having none of it but luckily we could complete the muster drill for both of us on my phone.

The crew onboard were really really helpful and they would have helped us to do the muster drill if we got stuck or if you don’t have a phone I’m sure they’d have an alternative.

I Loved The Promenade Deck

Our muster station was this big promenade deck and this quickly became one of my favourite places onboard, I love a promenade deck where you can walk all the way around and I think it’s good to note the extra safety precautions like the glass here to stop any little children from trying to climb between the bars.

The Disney Magic Was Built in The 1990s

The Disney Magic was built in the late 1990s and that makes her pretty old by cruise ship standards.

She’s also pretty small, for the time she would have been a large cruise ship but now the world biggest cruise ship is almost 3x the size of the Disney Magic.

I have to say I did love not having far to walk to the top deck and wherever I was, I was never far from my cabin which was good but personally, I’m a fan of the big cruise ships.

That is a personal preference though and I’m sure many people cruising with Disney prefer the smaller ship size.

If you’re cruising with young children I doubt you want to be having to go 15 decks up to get the buffet, that isn’t a problem on the Disney Magic though. 

The thing that’s more important to me than the age and the size of a ship, is how the spaces work and if they’ve been well looked after by the cruise line. I’ve been on some ships from the 1980s and 1990s, which were in much better condition than newer ships. 

After completing our muster drill, we went to the top deck to take a selfie with the funnel. I feel as though that’s a thing you have to do on a Disney cruise and I actually managed to find some sunshine briefly for the photo which was a miracle. It’s the Disney magic I guess! 

Soda is Included on The Pool Deck

Wandering around the top of the ship I realised that this is where you could get free soda from.

On Disney cruises soda and tea & coffee are available in the buffet and on the pool deck free of charge. If you order a soda from a bar it’ll cost you money, so I made good use of it and I drink a lot of soda and we grabbed one to start exploring the ship.

On the top deck there is a swimming pool, waterslides, sports court and lots of seating. 

Theres also an adult only pool too and we did find that there were a few adult only areas onboard, which I thought I may need to retreat to at some point. 

I was a bit worried that I would be totally overwhelmed by this Disney cruise. When I cruise I usually cruise to relax. I don’t have any children myself but I decided to embrace all things Disney, I was only cruising for 3 nights but I don’t really think I understood at that point what I was actually getting myself into. 

We Went in Search of Food (Of Course)

One of the most important things about cruising for me, is eating and by the time we got onboard we were pretty hungry. We headed to the buffet but it was closing so we decided to grab a hotdog and fries from the poolside grill. 

The buffet was closed a lot more than I would expected and sometimes lunch would only be open from 12-2 and then the buffet wouldn’t reopen until around 6pm which I found really strange.

On most other cruise lines the buffet rarely closes at all, if it does, on some cruise lines like MSC the buffet is open for 20+ hours a day. 

The buffet was a nice big space with lots of seating and when we did manage to eat in the buffet though the food was great, just more of it would have been nice. 

Room Service is Free on Disney Cruises

The room service is free though, which is good. I ordered a pizza and some cookies which was nice, on some cruise lines you do have to pay for room service.

If you order drinks through room service they’ll cost you money though so if you are doing this, run up to the pool deck to get some soda and bring it to your room, that’s what I did. Luckily because the ship isn’t very big, it was never far to go. 

We Had a Balcony Cabin

We went next to find our cabin and I’ve never had a cabin quite like it. One thing that Disney seem really good at is giving out upgrades. I booked an oceanview cabin and was upgraded to a balcony cabin.

Most of the people I spoke to onboard had either been given an upgrade or had paid to upgrade their cabin, the sailing I was on was at reduced capacity so it may have something to do with that. 

I’m usually more of an inside cabin kind of person but they weren’t available to book when I booked this cruise. Disney cruises almost always sell out very fast and that’s one of the reasons they can charge as much as they do. 

The cabin was pretty big and our balcony was a really nice size. There were lots of surprises in here, like me having to sleep on the sofabed and the toilet being in a different room.

Disney do ‘Rotational Dining’

After exploring our room and wandering around the ship it was dinner time. When it comes to dining, Disney do something that no other cruise line does.

On most mainstream cruise lines you’ll either have fixed time dining or flexible dining where you just show up the restaurant when you’re hungry. 

On Disney everybody has a fixed time for dinner and it’s not just your time thats set but actually the restaurants you eat in too.

Disney calls this ‘rotational dining’ and basically, you are assigned a different restaurant each night and your waiters and everybody else in that restaurant follow you to the next restaurant. 

I thought that it worked really well and our waiters knew that I was drinking Coke Zero throughout the cruise, so I never even had to order a drink, it just arrived like magic (see what I did there)!

I love the soft drinks being included in with meals and because our cruise was only 3 nights, we never had any kind of dress codes or formal nights, I wore jeans to dinner everyday which made a nice change.

The service was really good and the waiters would take the time to talk to the kids. Some of our dining experiences were much better than others but the best was the first we had in Animator’s Palate.

Animator’s Palate Was a Great Dining Experience

I’ve never ever had a dinner quite this one and I don’t know if I would have believed it if it was described to me. When we came into the restaurant, everything was black an white and when we sat down we were given a piece of paper and a pen and told to draw a character. 

After we had finished our food, the animations came to life and danced around the restaurant. It was really clever and fun and it was definitely the dining highlight of the cruise.

The Food Quality Was Good

The food was good and I liked that there were multiple veggie options available.

Having cruised recently with other cruise lines like Princess and Celebrity, I’d say that the food was about the same in quality.

To find out what’s included in a Disney cruise (almost all the food and lots more) check out this post: What’s Included on a Disney Cruise? – Food, Activities and Exclusions

The Theatre Shows Were Great (If a Little Overwhelming)

After dinner we went onto the theatre and really I think this is what a Disney cruise is all about. We watched Tangled the musical and it was great, it was definitely of broadway quality and no expense was spared.

The team of singers and dancers were all very talented, the set design was amazing and in other shows they even had things like bubbles and fake snow. 

A word of warning though, I did find the theatre to be quite overwhelming. I had kids kicking me from behind, toys being dropped on me, kids were running around the back and it was hard to see through everybodies’ Mickey ears. 

I did talk to a few people when I was onboard and after I got back, they said that I should have picked the late dining seating and therefore gone to the earlier shows because there would be less children on that schedule.

I didn’t really think about that before but it does make sense.

I understood that I was on a cruise line mostly aimed at children and because I cruised out of the school holidays, most the children onboard were between about 2-5.

I didn’t expect the kids to sit still throughout dinner and the show but its definitely worth being aware of. My mum was hit by a Thor hammer, whipped with a Rapunzel braid, you name it, the kids were a bit wild and it did get very, very loud at some points. 

If you’re a parent though, or a child, it must be nice to be able to see a theatre show without having to worry about the kids making too much noise.

Top Tip: Buy Mickey Ears Pre-Cruise!

I will say I did feel a bit out of place without any Mickey ears! If you are taking a Disney cruise definitely get some before you go.

They only had one type left in the gift shop and for $40 I decided against it. You can get great ones online before you go though and lots of people had personalised ears.

If you want to wear custom T-shirts and things that is totally cool on a Disney cruise. Lots of people had matching Mickey ears, T-shirts, bags, you name it. I’ve never met cruise guests that are so passionate about their cruise line.

If you’d like to learn more about Mickey Ears, check out this post from a Expedition Hopper which explains what they are for, who wears them, and where to buy them: Everything You Need To Know About Mickey Ears

Disney Cruisers Decorate Their Cabin Doors

It was intense but really cool to get to talk to people from the Disney crowd, Disney fans always are very friendly and they decorate their cabin doors like nothing I’ve ever seen before. It’s incredible. 

Below are a couple of my favourite examples from the ship.

These magnets can be bought on Etsy here: Disney Cruise Door Magnets.

Disney do Towel Animals and Chocolates on the Pillow

When we came back to our cabin we found a towel animal waiting for us and a chocolate on the pillow.

10 years ago you’d find that most cruise lines would do towel animals and chocolates on the pillow but this is definitely a thing that the majority of cruise lines have stopped doing recently.

I personally quite like it and the chocolate on the pillow was good too.

As I went to sleep in my sofa bed I felt pretty content and happy with my first day onboard, I still had some questions though that I needed answering.

What would the daily schedule be like on a sea day? Would there be many activities for adults and would I be able to eat enough cookies to make back the cost of the cruise fare? 

Breakfast Options Onboard (I Found Mickey Waffles!)

The buffet was open until 10.30 for breakfast which was good because I’m not an early riser and we also went to the sit-down restaurant another day for breakfast because I was told that I HAD to try the Mickey waffles.

I did try them, and they were good, very very sickly sweet with this pink sugary stuff but it was nice to try them. Maybe that was why the kids on board were so hyper, they started their day with Mickey waffles!

The Daily Schedule

Despite the bad weather, plenty of people went for a swim and they constantly showed different Disney movies on the pool TV. They’d also show movies in the theatre and there were lots in the cabin to watch too, if you could get the little TV to work that is. 

The daily schedule on the sea day was made up almost entirely of waving at characters, Disney trivia and Disney movies.

Sometimes the schedule would look like: waving, waving, bingo, waving, waving, selling something, beer tasting, waving, waving, drawing, waving. (A real example from my Disney cruise).

I did my fair share of waving on this cruise and it was cool to see all of the Princess and Marvel Characters.

COVID Social Distancing Measures Were Still in Place

It was a little bit strange because there are still COVID social distancing rules in place, so nobody could put their arms around Mickey Mouse or hug Thor but it is what it is, not much can be done about that. 

One thing that I missed on the daily schedule was live music, there was a little bit but I’m more used to cover bands and singers being around the ship.

Of course, we did have the Disney music being played through the speakers, all day but for me personally, I’m a big fan of sitting in a big lounge with a band playing and I didn’t find any big lounges really, or much live music. 

There Are Kids Clubs For Kids of All Ages

Most of the kids would be enjoying extra activities in the kids clubs of course. Most cruise lines have kids clubs and I actually went to the kids clubs with Norwegian Cruise Line when I started cruising, I loved it so I’m sure the kids on this cruise did too.

They have kids clubs for kids of all ages and they get to meet the characters and do crafts and dance and everything. 

An Interesting Discovery on The Promenade Deck!

When wandering around the promenade deck, I came across this area which I thought was so cool. I’ve never seen anything like this just open to the public before but that’s the nerdy ship side of me coming out.

The promenade deck was also the jogging track so people would be running and walking around here in the evenings and day times. 

Frozen at Sea – A Pool Deck Party

Despite the cold UK weather, Disney did manage to put on a show called Frozen at Sea.

This was like a festival, but Frozen themed and for kids on the top deck by the pool. Anna and Elsa sang and even Olaf came out to see everybody.

There was fake snow, lots of people dancing and it was cool to see everybody having such a good time. It was freezing though, I imagine this would have been quite different in the sunshine. 

Adult Only Activities and Areas

In the evening there would often be adult-only trivia which did sometimes have non-Disney themes, there was a 90s music trivia at one point that I remember and a few other things.

There are only a couple of places onboard that are adult-only and we didn’t really spend much time there. I’d prefer to be out and about seeing what’s happening on the ship, than spending too much time in the pub.

If I was on an cruise line that included drinks, or I had a drinks package, this might have been different.

There isn’t much late night entertainment happening on a Disney cruise, so we would usually watch a movie before bed in our cabin, which was nice.

Disney cruise ships don’t have casinos and they don’t have drinks packages. To find out what else Disney cruises don’t have, check out this post: You Won’t Find These 9 Things on a Disney Cruise

Who Are Disney Cruises For?

I spoke to quite a few people onboard and since I’ve got home, who LOVE Disney cruising.

They all said to me that they cruise with Disney because of the Disney community and how well the staff take care of them and their children. 

I came at this cruise from a cruise perspective, as opposed to a Disney side and I had great fun finding out who Disney Cruises are for, but personally when I look at the cost and what I could get for the price on other cruise lines, it just doesn’t add up for me. 

It really confirms my point about there being a cruise line for everybody and not every cruise line being for everybody. Life would be very very dull if we all liked the same things.

To put it into perspective, my next cruise is over double the length of my Disney cruise, it includes flights to Spain, transfers, luggage, all gratuities, and all-inclusive drinks, a ship I much prefer personally and is quite a bit cheaper than my Disney cruise. Over double the length and cheaper. 

You’ll never get the Disney magic or Disney entertainment or anything Disney on other cruise lines though, so it’s difficult to compare, and really it’s just a case of if that’s worth the price to you.

For me personally, no. For many many other people, absolutely yes. 

One thing that I did find strange, and it seems like even Disney cruisers find this strange, is the way that Disney do tipping. To find out how that works and why I was so confused to find this in my cabin, check out this video:

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A Disney Mediterranean Cruise Review – Disney Magic

By Eric Stoen on January 23, 2015 • Last Updated March 20, 2023 This post may contain affiliate links. Read my Disclosure here .

Disney Cruise Update s

This post was written after our first two Mediterranean Disney cruises. Our third cruise, in Northern Europe, wasn’t as good, mainly because the cold weather drove everyone inside which led to overcrowding and highlighted issues that we kind of glossed over on previous sailings. My open letter to Disney cruises on what they can improve is HERE .

Then in 2023 we took our forth Disney Cruise, on the Disney Fantasy, in the Caribbean. My review is HERE .

Planning for a Disney Cruise

January is a perfect time to think about not only doing a cruise with your kids this coming summer but doing a cruise with your kids next summer. Disney announces their summer cruise schedules roughly 16 months in advance and some of their popular and unique itineraries sell out quickly. If you’re interested in one of their sailings, grab a reservation before it’s too late.

So, that begs the question: should you be interested in one of their sailings? That depends on your family and your budget, but in general my answer is yes. It’s a great vacation for young and old alike, with some caveats.

We’ve now gone on two Disney Mediterranean cruises with our three kids. The first was to/from Barcelona, stopping in Malta, Palermo, Naples, Civitavecchia, La Spezia, Corsica, and Villefranche. The second of our Disney Mediterranean cruises traveled from Venice to Barcelona, visiting Athens, Ephesus, Rhodes, Crete, Mykonos, Santorini, and Malta. Our kids were 1, 3 and 5 for the first cruise and 4, 6 and 8 for the second. After a total of 24 nights on the Disney Magic, here are my thoughts:

Best Ages for a Disney Cruise

I touched on this in my post about the best ages to travel everywhere . We’ve seen everyone from babies just a few months old to people in their 80s on the cruises. Disney cruises do a good job of entertaining everyone, but it always looks to me like the teenagers are having the most fun on the ship. I honestly don’t think that kids under two are going to get much out of Disney cruises. Any other age will be able to find things to do.

Disney Magic Kids Club

A lot of people ask me about the kids’ clubs on Disney cruises. Honestly, of all of the things to do on the ship, the kids club hasn’t been a top choice of my kids. The club is well organized and well supervised, and there is an ever-changing agenda of things going on (like fairy tale hours or science hours), but whenever our kids have chosen to spend some time there, they invariably get bored after half an hour or so and want to leave. That’s likely not representative of all kids though.

Disney Magic Ship Activities

There are activities on Disney cruises for every age beyond the kids club. Our default on our Disney Mediterranean cruises was always the pools. The pools are good and never seem overly crowded, even on days at sea with 1,000 captive kids on the ship. Our kids enjoyed the waterslides, but I would highly recommend waiting to go them. The line for the Aqua Dunk – the slide that drops suddenly and shoots you in a tube over the side of the ship and back – was over half an hour the first day of our most recent cruise. But by halfway through the trip, there was no line at all.

If you don’t feel like the pool on your Disney cruise, there’s shuffleboard. There’s a sports court. There are movies always showing, including new Disney releases. There are constant character appearances. There are classes on napkin and towel folding. There are cooking classes. There’s a spa. There’s a gym. There’s Bingo (the only gambling on the ship). There are decent-quality, Broadway-type shows. There are magicians for kids. The list goes on. I always kind of preferred to relax with a book, but I think I was in the minority.

Disney Magic Rooms / Cabins

We booked a two-room Concierge suite on the first of our Mediterranean Disney cruises. It came with a personal attendant who would do things like bring us DVDs and popcorn, and surprise the kids with stuffed animals. The setup of the room on our Disney cruise was nice, with a larger bathroom and a dining table, but it wasn’t worth the money. We didn’t really need the option to dine in our room, and we didn’t watch too many DVDs or eat too much popcorn.

So the second cruise we instead booked two connecting rooms with balconies. This was far less expensive, and although there was a little wasted space in that we didn’t really need four sinks or six beds, it worked out great. Disney even removed the balcony divider for us so that we had one long balcony instead of two smaller ones. Just another reason to book far in advance: there aren’t many connecting rooms, so if you’re a family of five or more, you need to reserve them quickly.

Disney Magic Food

The food on our Mediterranean Disney cruises ranged from not good to very good. There are three restaurants that you rotate among, with the same servers at each. While my foodie wife was fairly disappointed in the food quality, I was decently happy most nights (except when I ordered fish – it was usually really dry). My kids were nicely adventurous, going for venison, Cornish game hen, duck, and other more unique entrees off the adult menu far more often than they ordered off the kids menu.

One of the biggest letdowns during our Disney Mediterranean cruises was Greek Night, but really how is a kitchen catering to 2,500 people going to compete with the lunches in the local tavernas on the islands that we were eating every day?

Disney Mediterranean Port Excursions

On our first cruise we did three official Disney port excursions. One was good and uncrowded – to Montserrat in Spain. One was decent but very crowded – to Pompeii. And one was terrible and crowded – a pottery-painting workshop for kids in Palermo, Sicily. What we took away from this was: never book the cruise-sponsored excursions! On our second cruise we did research well in advance, determined where we wanted to roam around by ourselves (Rhodes, Crete, Mykonos, Santorini) and where we wanted guided tours (Venice, Athens, Ephesus, and Malta), and then booked the tours with the top-rated guides on TripAdvisor.

All tours turned out to be far better than the previous Disney excursions, they were all at our pace, and they were all far less expensive than if we had booked through Disney. An added benefit was that each tour was timed to avoid the crowds from our ship and other ships. Every night on the ship when we were listening to other cruise-goers complain about their tours, we felt like we made the right decision.

My post on every one of our Disney cruise port stops, what we did and what we would recommend, is HERE .

The Disney Element

So obviously the cruise experience is largely Disney-themed. You’ll see characters walking around and posing for photos, hear a constant Disney soundtrack, and be very much surrounded by Disney while dining. What’s interesting is that the Disney experience is a bit of a time warp. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Chip and Dale – the old-school characters? They’re everywhere. And there’s a night dedicated to Pirates of the Caribbean – the 2003 movie more than the theme park ride.

But if you’re looking for characters from the most recent movies? Well, the younger passengers are dressed like them, but Disney largely ignores them. Frozen, the biggest animated movie of all time? There were a couple of character appearances, some screenings of the movie and a themed kids menu one night, but otherwise there was no sign of the movie – not at Animators Palate, the animation-themed restaurant, not on the soundtrack and and not in the shows. And we cruised a full eight months after the movie came out – plenty of time for Disney to have taken elements from it and incorporated them. Brave, Tangled, Up and Cars? Barely present. Yet if you’re a fan of the Emperor’s New Groove and Hercules, which not coincidently came out close to the Disney Magic’s maiden voyage, you’re set.

My kids liked the overall Disney presence. I was fine with it. My wife by the end of the cruise very tired of the Disney theme and forced cheerfulness of all employees/cast members, feeling like she had been trapped in a theme park for 12 days. And even when you get off of the boat it’s not over – on the bus to the airport in Barcelona they were showing yet more Disney videos. Two weeks in Paris post-cruise worked nicely to remove us from a Disney mindset. And no, we didn’t go to Disneyland Paris or into the Disney store on the Champs-Elysees.

Quality of the Experience

Having been subjected recently to a cruise on Royal Caribbean, I have to say that Disney cruises are far nicer, and Disney just does things better. On Royal Caribbean, there was a constant push by the cruise line to get you to spend more money – on alcohol, art, jewelry and gambling primarily. Disney cruises don’t hit you over the head with any of that. Sure there are the Disney Vacations desk and a few stores, but otherwise, there’s an overall appreciation that you paid in advance for the all-inclusive cruise experience and, other than wine, laundry and pirate costumes, there’s not much to add to the room tab.

Disney Magic Feedback / Summary

One thing that annoyed me on both of our Mediterranean Disney cruises is that there are plenty of areas in which Disney could improve, but they don’t seem to want to hear about them. There is a “comments and feedback” form at the end of the cruise that everyone is encouraged to return, but really it’s just a series of ratings and there’s no room for actual comments. And when I asked Disney about this on their web page, they quickly deleted the comment.

Despite that, I would recommend a Disney cruise if you want your kids to have fun in a safe environment for a week to two weeks, with (largely) interesting port stops. But definitely book in advance. When we took our Greek cruise in 2014, the following summer’s Norway cruises were already sold out. We booked our Summer 2016 cruise early in March 2015. Check Disney’s website ( http://disneycruise.disney.go.com /) for current availability.

Have you gone on a Disney cruise? What was your impression?

More from Travel Babbo

January 24, 2015 at 5:30 am

Kids or no kids I would certainly echo the point about organising your own excursions. I’ve only done one non National Geographic cruise, on Silversea in the Caribbean, and the organised tours were largely rubbish. I noticed that a number of people were hiring taxis and that was possibly a better option but now having searched for personal tour guides through Tripadvisor I would certainly do that if I was crazy enough to take another cruise. Another tip I discovered too late was a number of people left the ship at the last port stop (in USVI) and avoided the two days at sea to get to Port Lauderdale. If you’re time poor (or have better things to do, like flying to Rio 🙂 then cutting off a sea transit by flying out of the last port of call is something to consider.

January 24, 2015 at 2:48 pm

Good advice on leaving the ship early, but it really depends what your goal of the cruise is. If you’re just looking for transportation to ports, then absolutely, cut off the last couple days. But with Disney, as far as the kids are concerned, days at sea are more fun than the port stops. If you’re there to make your kids happy – which really is the main goal of booking Disney in the first place – you wouldn’t want to shorten the cruise at all. You’d just be throwing money away.

February 28, 2016 at 2:37 pm

Very informative and well written article! Thank you for sharing your adventure as we are very interested in exploring a Mediterranean cruise with Disney Cruise Lines. We just returned from our first Disney Cruise on the Disney Dream, and we are definitely hooked!

April 20, 2016 at 2:42 pm

I’ve just booked our first one – to the Caribbean in June. We are not cruisers and prefer more active holidays, but are so exhausted that we are trying a bit more of a “relaxing” holiday. Thanks for this well-balanced review.

April 20, 2016 at 2:54 pm

Your daughter will love it! We’re doing our third this summer. Future ones will depend on whether the kids still find them fun and whether there are new, interesting itineraries. Would love for them to add an Asian loop!

May 18, 2016 at 3:06 pm

Hi! We just booked the 7 day Meditteranean cruise for Sept. 2017 with my 7 year old and 9 year old. I don’t know the geography well of the ports so my concern is if we don’t book excursions in every place are there things to do in walking distance of the ports or would we need to get a taxi or other transportation. Thanks!

May 23, 2016 at 8:34 am

Hi KaraBeth. Once we’re back from our Disney cruise this summer, I’ll write up a blog post on what we did in all of the ports on our three cruises. In general it’s always fine to walk around where Disney docks. Civitavecchia isn’t interesting, but otherwise we’ve enjoyed exploring all of the places we’ve gone. Disney doesn’t provide much information on the ports on board, so do some research in advance – maybe print out city maps and figure out playground locations and good kid-friendly restaurants. Then you’re set. We’ve found that to be more enjoyable for the kids than joining excursions, and it gives you the flexibility to return to the ship whenever you want.

September 11, 2016 at 9:03 am

Hi We have also booked for sept 2017 I would be interested to know your plans for excursions We don’t want to get off at every port but feel Rome is a must visit although I don’t fancy being on a coach with a lot of people for a day

September 12, 2016 at 11:14 am

KaraBeth and Emma – I’ve just posted my breakdown of every one of our Disney ports, including Rome: https://travelbabbo.com/2016/09/disney-cruise-port-stops-and-excursions-in-europe/ .

December 16, 2016 at 4:34 am

Hello I’ve booked for Sept as well can’t wait I don’t know much on excursions either xx

December 16, 2016 at 8:54 am

Have a great time! My post on all of our port stops and what excursions we did is here .

June 15, 2016 at 12:12 pm

Hi! Can you please give me an inside scoop on how hard it is to get off and back on the ship for excursions?

I’m looking to book a Mediterranean cruise in 2016.

June 15, 2016 at 2:19 pm

In most ports you can walk off the ship and into town. In some you need to tender in. Regardless, it’s never taken us more than a few minutes to disembark or get back on the ship. In some places like Naples we went on and off the ship several times during the day since it was so easy and close to the center of town.

July 7, 2016 at 12:06 pm

Keep in mind that some ports do not let off in the “center of everything”. It all depends on what you’d like to see: Civitavecchia is a good two hours drive from Rome. Livorno is also about 1.5 hours from Florence and 30 minutes from Pisa. It is also about 30 mins to Pompeii from Naples.

July 7, 2016 at 10:57 pm

But those have been some of our favorite ports. Well, not Civitavecchia – there’s not much to see there. But we liked Naples a lot, just wandering around from where the ship docked. And when we stopped in La Spezia we spent the day in the small town and loved it. I’m not a fan at all of trying to see Florence or Rome in a day. A couple hours of driving each way to walk through one of the world’s great cities with 50 other people, take quick photos in front of a few major sites, and spend lots of time waiting for others during bathroom breaks? Nope, definitely not the way to experience an amazing destination. And crazy travel days like that aren’t kid-friendly either.

July 7, 2016 at 7:56 pm

Thanks a lot for sharing your experience . we are thinking about doing our first cruise with the kids this summer . Looking forward to read your review about Disney cruise , summer 2016 . by the way , did you have any problems with weather in the sea? strong wind for example ? and what about motion sickness , was it a problem ? wish you a pleasant vacation 🙂 and thanks again

July 7, 2016 at 10:49 pm

Hi Maha. On the two that we did so far, there was virtually no motion at all. Maybe once did we feel the ship rocking slightly? But that was in the Mediterranean. This time we’ll be in the north Atlantic, so it could be a little more exciting. Will keep you posted. When we traveled to Antarctica with NatGeo/Lindblad we had 32-foot seas – it felt like that scene in Frozen where the parents’ ship hits the huge storm! So anything less than that wouldn’t worry me too much. Others may be more sensitive.

July 11, 2016 at 6:41 pm

We just booked the 10 day Mediterranean cruise for 2017 summer. Are the excursions included or extra $$ If extra how much per person? Thanks

July 11, 2016 at 10:37 pm

Have a great time Lesha! Excursions are all extra, whether you book them through Disney or privately. I’ve found that with our family of five, private excursions can be comparable price-wise and offer a lot more flexibility. Excursions are anywhere between $50 and $200 per person depending on the activity. I usually budget $125 per person which is a reasonable average, for Disney or for private. The entire Disney list is at https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/port-adventures/europe/ .

December 19, 2016 at 10:37 pm

I enjoyed your article! There’s much less info about European Disney Cruises compared to their Castaway Cay ones. Thanks for the info!

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Review: Magic Kingdom fireworks cruise is pricey, but stress-free

The Magic Kingdom fireworks cruise might be expensive, but it’s also zero-hassle, and when split among a large group, it’s not a bad deal.

What is a Magic Kingdom Fireworks Cruise?

Have you ever seen pontoon boats cresting along the Seven Seas Lagoon after nightfall and wondered, “How can I do that?”

Walt Disney World Resort in Florida offers fireworks cruises that sail along the bodies of water outside of Magic Kingdom Park for prime viewing of the nighttime spectacular. These cruise bookings are available to any guest.

75 minutes before the fireworks’ showtime, you’ll board a private vessel under the helm of their own personal Disney cast member. After enjoying light snacks and floating around the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake, you’ll enjoy the fireworks from your boat.

This experience doesn’t have a specifically longwinded or Disney-fied name; it’s simply called a fireworks cruise. The offering is part of Disney’s Enchanted Extras Collection, the name for extra-charge experiences guests can add to their Disney World vacation (like backstage tours, private PhotoPass sessions, etc.).

Price of Magic Kingdom Fireworks Cruise

Disney’s fireworks cruises start at $449, increasing depending on the date. Don’t let the steep price fool you, though; the experience is more affordable than at first glance.

To be certain, $449 is a lot of money, but unlike most price listings throughout Disney World, this cost refers to the price per boat, not per person. Up to 10 guests can take part in the fireworks cruise, and the price will be the same no matter how many people you bring.

Therefore, a fireworks cruise is among the few experiences in Disney World where more people = less money. The more people onboard, the lower the cost will be for each guest. If you max out the capacity and book a cruise for 10 guests, the price starts at about $45 per person. That’s on par many other reservable add-ons to a Disney vacation, and in many cases is far cheaper than them.

To compare, a round of putt-putt at Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf costs $19 per person, the one-hour Behind the Seeds backstage tour at Epcot starts at $39 per person, and dinner at Magic Kingdom’s Be Our Guest Restaurant costs $41 for guests ages 3-9 and $70 for guests ages 10+.

Also unlike many add-on Disney experiences, Magic Kingdom fireworks cruises do not require theme park admission. This makes the excursion an excellent option for an arrival-night experience, or otherwise any day of vacation you don’t spend in the parks, so as to not take precious park time away from those days. Alternatively, a fireworks cruise makes a nice option for the end of a day that begins at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, since that park often closes earlier than the others and has no nighttime spectacular.

View of Fireworks

During your fireworks cruise, the cast member driving your part will “park” the vessel with a postcard-perfect view of Magic Kingdom directly in front of you, with Cinderella Castle and the Walt Disney World Railroad Station visible.

Your boat’s speakers even pump in the entire show’s soundtrack, synced with the park.

From this vantage point, the projections on the castle aren’t very clear, but the trade-off is more than fair. This is as good as it gets, and the quintessential image many folks think of when they hear the words “Disney World.”

Choose Your Own Adventure

At the beginning of our voyage, our cast member driver asked my family what kind of cruise we wanted, and how we preferred she interact with us. She said we could have a friendly cruise, making polite conversation; a Disney history cruise, pointing out fun facts around the waterways; or a “pretend I’m not here” cruise, during which she’d drive the boat but otherwise let us enjoy family time without interruption. I appreciated this blunt communication, as I’d imagine different guests have different styles of cruises in mind.

We opted for the Disney history version, and I’m glad we did. Our driver showed us a tree that generations of recreation cast members have their tossed shoes upon, what remains of the Discovery Island dock (from a safe distance), and a small barn Disney constructed (on the far reaches of Bay Lake that I did not know existed) as a habitat for bats to keep the insect population in check. Sure enough, later in the evening we saw bats flying about above the lake in such a quantity that I wondered how I’d never noticed them before.

After the show was over, our driver asked if we wanted to stick around for the Electrical Water Pageant, the procession of fiber-optic floats whose lights dance to synth music. Yes, please!

Snacks Onboard

A small selection of snacks are included with the price of the fireworks cruise. Whereas some Disney “snacks” are plentiful enough to substitute a meal, the snacks provided during this experience are snack snacks, so don’t skip dinner. During our cruise, we enjoyed canned soft drinks, bottled water, Mickey rice crispy treats, and individually packages chips. You’re allowed to take home what you don’t use — perfect for bring with you to the parks the next day! There are no alcoholic beverages onboard.

Which Show Will You See?

Most nights of the year, Magic Kingdom performs “Happily Ever After,” its standard (and spectacular) production that debuted in 2017.

If your fireworks cruise is during August through December, your excursion might coincide instead with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. On nights when these events take place, Magic Kingdom instead presents “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular” or “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks,” respectively.

Since fireworks cruises can’t be booked farther than 60 days in advance, you should be able to consult Magic Kingdom’s calendar and see which nights will have which show (or ask the cast member during your booking phone call).

Just like on regular nights, if your cruise is during a party evening, you do not need party admission to book a fireworks cruise.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations

Upon reserving your fireworks cruise, you can select where you’d like your boat to pick you up: Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, or Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. You do not need to be staying overnight at any of these resorts to select it as your pick-up location.

Cruises do not embark from Magic Kingdom itself, but all of these resorts are a quick monorail or ferry boat ride away from the park. If you have questions about how to get from point A to point B, ask the cast member you speak with when you call Disney to reserve your cruise.

Additionally, at the end of your voyage, your driver can drop you off at any of the aforementioned resorts, even if it’s not where your cruise began.

Our family started the day at Animal Kingdom, exited the park around 5:30 p.m., rode a bus to the Polynesian, grabbed a quick-service dinner at Capt. Cook’s, and boarded our fireworks cruise at the Polynesian marina at 7:15 p.m. Our excursion took place during spring break , so afterward we opted to get dropped off at Grand Floridian to see the lobby’s display of Easter eggs.

How to Purchase a Disney Fireworks Cruise

You can book a fireworks cruise 60 days in advance of your intended cruise date (or 60 days in advance of your Disney resort check-in date, if staying on property).

Reserve a Magic Kingdom fireworks cruise by calling (407) 939-7529. Reservations are not available online.

Is the Fireworks Cruise Worth It?

Is a Magic Kingdom fireworks cruise worth the bang for your buck? I’d say it absolutely is, and then some — on the condition you’re able to bring a large group and economize your dollar. On the other hand, if you only have one or two other travel companions with you, a fireworks cruise is difficult to justify for the price.

Then again, there might be more appeal to this experience for you beyond its price tag. Does picking out a fireworks spot in front of Cinderella Castle an hour before showtime and waiting among a huge crowd sound like your worst nightmare? If so, a stress-free, private fireworks viewing might be worth it to you, at any cost. In a trip filled with Lightning Lanes and virtual queues , our family’s fireworks cruise was easily the most relaxing, worry-free activity of our Disney vacation.

A happy medium — watching from outside the park and away from huge crowds, but not paying hundreds of dollars to do so — presents itself in the form of casual beachside viewing at the Polynesian Village Resort. You’ll be much farther away from the fireworks, yes, but hey, it’s free.

If this will be your first time viewing any Magic Kingdom fireworks show, opt for watching the show from inside the park instead (see options below). While the view from the water is gorgeous, you’ll get a fuller sense of the show’s projections and added media from in front of the castle.

Other Disney Fireworks Packages

In addition to private pontoon cruises outside of Magic Kingdom, Disney offers several other fireworks viewing experiences.

Magic Kingdom hosts reserved fireworks viewing inside the park paired with dessert parties before , during , and after the show.

Epcot offers dining packages with reserved seating for “ Luminous The Symphony of Us ” at Spice Road Table (in the Morocco Pavilion) and Rose & Crown (in the United Kingdom Pavilion) , as well as its own private fireworks cruises (launching from Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts).

Note that Magic Kingdom’s former “ Ferrytale Fireworks: A Dazzling Dessert Cruise ” is no longer offered.

If you’re interested in visiting Walt Disney World Resort, we recommend Mouse Fan Travel for a free, no-obligation quote and free help throughout your trip.

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Best Disney Cruises & Cruise Ships Ranking for 2024

A s an aficionado of magical vacations, you're likely curious about the top Disney cruises and cruise ships for 2024. With Disney's renowned attention to detail and service, each ship offers its own unique charm and a myriad of enchanting experiences. Perhaps you're drawn to the Disney Dream 's immersive world or the Broadway-style shows on the Disney Fantasy . Maybe the unique onboard features of the Disney Magic attract you, or the adventures offered on the Disney Wonder . There's also the highly anticipated Disney Wish on the horizon. So, which one will make it to your travel bucket list? Let's find out.

Disney Dream Cruise Review

Stepping aboard the Disney Dream Cruise , you're immediately immersed in a magical world that promises an unforgettable voyage for both kids and adults. As one of the best Disney Cruise Line ships, it boasts sumptuous dining options, spectacular live shows, and round-the-clock room service.

Docking at Port Canaveral , you'll love Disney's Oceaneer Club . Trust the Disney Cruise reviews, your Disney Cruise Line vacation starts here.

Exploring the Disney Fantasy

Moving on from the enchanting Disney Dream, let's set sail and explore the wonders of the Disney Fantasy . Often hailed as the best Disney ship, this gem in the Disney Cruise Line fleet boasts Disney characters , Broadway-style shows, and sumptuous main dining rooms .

Despite the new Disney Wish stealing some limelight as Disney Cruise Line's newest ship, the Disney Fantasy remains a standout in the Disney Cruise Line experience.

Disney Magic Ship Highlights

Let's explore the highlights of Disney Magic, a 2,713-passenger ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet.

Packed with unique attractions like Broadway-style musical performances , flat-screen TVs, and a table-service restaurant , it's all about the magic of Disney.

And, don't forget Caribbean cruises with excellent service.

Use the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app for an even better experience.

Unveiling Disney Wonder

Next on our list is Disney Wonder, one of the new ships in the Disney fleet and a sister to the newest Disney cruise ship.

You'll love the friendly cast and crew members, the rotational dining options , and the Walt Disney Theater .

With Disney Wonder, it's all about the exciting port adventures .

Get ready for a journey you won't forget aboard this amazing Disney ship.

Disney Wish: What to Expect

On the horizon of your next dream vacation, Disney Wish stands proud, promising an unparalleled cruise experience. As one of Disney's new vessels, its maiden voyage will take you through grand hall, hyperspace lounge, and the worlds of marvel.

You'll experience the frozen dining adventure, explore Disney's oceaneer club, revel in adult spaces, and relish themed dining . Disney Wish truly is an enchanting journey waiting for you.

Dining Options on Disney Cruises

After exploring the enchanting features of Disney Wish, you might be wondering about the culinary adventures that await on Disney Cruises .

From Rapunzel's Royal Table to the Royal Palace, Animator's Palate, and even dining options on Disney's private island, Castaway Cay , the best Disney cruises cater to every personal preference.

Disney's Oceaneer Club serves up enchanted classics, ensuring a magical dining experience for all.

Entertainment on Disney Ships

You'll find a world of entertainment on Disney ships. Live music fills the air, while Disney films light up screens on the pool deck.

Join the fun at the Golden Mickeys , or meet Captain America at the kids clubs. Dine amidst Toy Story sketches at Animator's Palate , or explore Disney's Oceaneer Club .

There's never a dull moment aboard, ensuring your cruise is a magical adventure.

Family-friendly Features

With family-friendly features in abundance, Disney cruise ships offer an array of amenities and activities designed to delight every member of your family. Picture setting off on a Disney adventure with young children mesmerized by Disney's Oceaneer Club .

You'll find hot tubs, Animator's Palate , Small World, and movie theaters reminiscent of Walt Disney World.

Luxurious Staterooms Breakdown

Beyond the plethora of activities and amenities for the kids, Disney's cruise ships also boast some of the most luxurious staterooms in the industry.

As a first time cruiser, you'll be blown away by the ocean view from both the classic and additional ships.

Whether dining at Rapunzel's Royal Table or Animator's Palate, the royal Caribbean feel extends beyond Disney's private island and into these sumptuous quarters.

Disney Cruise Line Ports of Call

Disney Cruise Line's ports of call offer a world of enchantment, transporting you to some of the most coveted destinations in the globe.

You'll visit various locations, including Disney's private island, Lighthouse Point , and Fort Lauderdale.

Shore excursions might include a Star Wars experience, dining at Rapunzel's Royal Table and Animator's Palate , or kid's fun at Disney's Oceaneer Club.

Specialty Cruises: Halloween and Christmas

If you're looking to add a festive touch to your voyage, consider Disney's specialty cruises : Halloween and Christmas.

Envision sailing the high seas, celebrating the holidays at Rapunzel's Royal Table or reliving a Cinderella story at the Animator's Palate .

U.S. News insider tip: Disney's private island is a treasure trove of holiday fun in the coming years, especially for kids at Disney's Oceaneer Club.

Unique Disney Cruise Activities

You'll find a plethora of unique activities on a Disney cruise that you won't experience anywhere else. From dining at Rapunzel's Royal Table to virtual sports simulators, your voyage will be packed with fun.

You can join Ariel at the Animator's Palate or play at the Oceaneer Club. Despite sailing away from San Diego, you'll feel secure with Disney's excellent health ratings.

Just wait until you see Disney's private island !

Castaway Cay: Disney's Private Island

Picture stepping off your cruise ship and onto the pristine sands of Castaway Cay, Disney's very own private island. Here's what awaits you:

• Serene beaches perfect for sandcastle building.
• Adventures at Pelican Point, snorkeling amidst hidden Disney treasures.
• Mouthwatering BBQ at Cookie's BBQ.

Isn't it time you felt the magic of Disney sprinkled on a tropical getaway?

Comparing Disney Cruise Ships

Exploring Disney's impressive fleet of cruise ships can be quite a challenging task. Each ship offers a unique blend of magical experiences . But don't fret! Whether you're a fan of the classic Disney Magic or the newer Disney Dream, each ship has its own flair.

You've got to take into account size, amenities, and character-themed experiences . So, buckle up, it's time to delve into the world of Disney cruises!

Booking Tips for 2024 Cruises

Explore the world of planning as we share some invaluable tips for booking your dream Disney cruise in 2024.

Here's how you can snag a great deal:

• Book early: The early bird catches the worm, or in this case, the best staterooms!
• Look for off-peak dates: You'll find lower prices during these times.
• Use a travel agent: They can help you navigate the best deals and discounts.

So, ready to set sail on a magical journey? Whether it's the Disney Dream , Fantasy, Magic, Wonder, or the new Wish, each ship is a treasure trove of fun. Remember to pack your sense of adventure, appetite, and your Mickey ears!

Castaway Cay awaits with its pristine beaches. Booking a 2024 cruise ? Pro tip: start early. After all, you wouldn't want to miss the boat, would you?

Happy cruising!

The post Best Disney Cruises & Cruise Ships Ranking for 2024 appeared first on Sarah Scoop EATS .

‘How Disney Built America’: Unpacking the Magic of Every Episode in History Docuseries

Once upon a time, Walt Disney was just a regular American struggling to succeed. He goes from little guy to big cheese (above, circa 1955) with the help of a mouse in How Disney Built America , six-part History Channel docuseries featuring original dramatic re-creations, expert interviews and archival material.

Here, we sketch out each hourlong episode ahead of the April 28 series premiere.

Episode 1: The Birth of Mickey (April 28)

In 1920s Hollywood, a young Walt loses creative control over his first successful cartoon character, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, to a powerful middleman. Walt and animator Ub Iwerks create Mickey Mouse and make the first synchronized sound animated short, Steamboat Willie . It’s a hit.

Episode 2: Animation Expansion (May 5)

At his studio, Walt still faces soaring costs, mounting criticism and tight deadlines. He pushes the limits of technology to create the first full-length animated feature with sound and color, 1937’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs , giving rise to the billion-dollar business of animated films.

The 25 Best Disney+ Original Series, Ranked

Episode 3: building disneyland (may 12).

If you’ve ever spun around in the teacup ride, you’ve felt how dizzying it was for Walt to transform 160 acres in booming Southern California into “The Happiest Place on Earth.” See the excitement and challenges of devising the park, a 1940s dream that was made real, opening in 1955.

Episode 4: Merchandise Madness (May 19)

Beginning in the 1930s, Kay Kamen turned Disney characters into megastars by licensing their images for products. He created the famous watch with Mickey’s hands pointing out the time!

Episode 5: Walt Disney World and EPCOT (June 2)

In the ’60s, Walt tries his hand at urban planning to build a utopian “city of the future,” EPCOT (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomor row), but his untimely death in 1966 leaves Roy Disney to honor his brother’s dream. The plan evolves into Florida’s Walt Disney World.

Episode 6: Imagineering the Future (June 9)

A look at six Disney innovations including thrill rides, Audio-Animatronics (aka theme park robots), cruise ships and fireworks, and how they’ve helped change family fun.

How Disney Built America , Series Premiere Sunday, April 28, 10/9c, History

How Disney Built America

Walt disney.

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The Ultimate Guide to Magic Kingdom, According to Disney Experts

Here's everything you need to know to plan the perfect day in Magic Kingdom, including the best rides, restaurants, and more.

Jacqueline Dole is a freelance food and travel journalist based in Maine. A lifelong New Englander, her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure , Food & Wine, TimeOut, Insider, Thrillist, Eater, and more. With a background as a pastry chef, she’s always on the lookout for the next best snack. She is a theme park enthusiast and expert, and embroidered hotel robes, amazing pools, and hot dogs are some of her favorite things.

Planning Your Visit

• Getting to Magic Kingdom
• Best Rides and Attractions
• Entertainment

Best Restaurants

• Magic Kingdom Itinerary

Tips for a Magical Day at Magic Kingdom

Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure

When the Magic Kingdom opened its gates on Oct. 1, 1971, it became an iconic place to not only see favorite Disney characters but to experience innovative attractions and visit lands carefully crafted to transport guests to another time or place. No trip to Walt Disney World would be complete without a visit to the Magic Kingdom. The most popular park at the Florida resort is also the most-visited theme park in the entire world, with more than 17 million visitors in 2022, according to the Global Attractions Attendance Report .

With this popularity comes crowds, so knowing how to best navigate the park is vital to ensure a great experience. “Walt Disney World is complicated in a way that's different from almost any other vacation destination. There are far more people who want to ride Disney's best rides and eat at Disney's best restaurants than there is ride and restaurant capacity for them. You'll need to make reservations for the popular rides and restaurants or risk not getting to them,” says Len Testa, co-author of " The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World ."

Ready to plan your trip? Here's everything you need to know to plan a perfect day at Magic Kingdom.

Meet the Expert

Len Testa is the co-author of "The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World." 

Samantha Davis-Friedman is a theme park journalist and contributing writer of “Walt Disney World Hacks, Second Edition.”

Matt Stroshane/Walt Disney World

“The two things to consider when visiting Walt Disney World are crowds and weather,” says Testa. “Walt Disney World's crowds are typically lowest when public schools are in session. The best weather is generally between November and March, with daytime highs between 75 and 80 degrees.” 

Tickets can be purchased as either single or multi-day passes, and you can add the Park Hopper option to visit multiple parks a day. Single-day ticket prices are dynamic and vary depending on the day and park you’re looking to visit, ranging between $134 to $189 for 2024. While park hours vary throughout the year, currently Magic Kingdom is open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. 

Guests staying at Disney hotels (and select other hotels) can take advantage of Early Entry to enter the park 30 minutes before it officially opens. Guests staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort or other select hotels can enjoy Extended Evening Hours after the park closes on select nights.

Getting to Magic Kingdom 

Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure

Guests cannot park outside of the gates of the Magic Kingdom and must park across the Seven Seas Lagoon at The Transportation and Ticket Center, otherwise known as the TTC. From there, guests can take a ferry or monorail to arrive at the park gates. “My motto is 'take the one that’s there' – sometimes that’s the monorail and sometimes it's the ferry. Either way, it’s nice to start the day without a wait (if possible) since there will certainly be plenty of waiting to come," says Samantha Davis-Friedman, theme park journalist and contributing writer of “Walt Disney World Hacks, Second Edition” .

Only Walt Disney World Resort buses and "Minnie Vans" (Lyft’s exclusive Walt Disney World car service offering select perks), can drop visitors off directly outside of the park. Third-party shuttles typically drop riders at the TTC. 

Standard parking is $30 per day, preferred parking varies seasonally between $45 and $55 per day, and oversized vehicle parking is $35 per day. If you’re park-hopping, good news: Guests only need to pay one fee for a parking pass that is good all day at all four theme parks. 

Guests staying at select Magic Kingdom area resorts can also take the monorail or a boat from their hotel.

Best Rides and Attractions 

Younger guests shouldn’t miss out on the rides in Fantasyland, like The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and Peter Pan’s Flight. Thrill-seeking visitors should make a point to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Space Mountain, and Tron Lightcycle Run . For fans of classic Disney, no trip is complete without a stop at The Enchanted Tiki Room, a ride on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, and a spin through Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress, which originally debuted at the 1964 New York World's Fair. Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion are perennial favorites among guests of all ages. And Tiana's Bayou Adventure is bound to be an instant hit when it opens this summer.

The best way to optimize time within the parks is to utilize Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes , an update on the previously complimentary FastPass system. These benefits come at an additional cost, but time in the parks is valuable and sometimes, it’s best to spend extra money to avoid lost time in line. The cost varies by park and date, generally ranging between $16 to $35 per day. 

Testa recommends purchasing Individual Lightning Lanes (ILL) for sought-after attractions like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

Related: 58 Disney World Rides and Attractions, Ranked From Worst to Best

Entertainment 

Let the Magic Begin and Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire are stage shows that run several times throughout the day and feature Mickey and his pals, Tiana and friends from "The Princess and the Frog," and more. 

The Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade is an abbreviated parade that runs through the park and features characters from "Encanto," "Coco," and more. The Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade features incredible floats, a long list of characters, and a great soundtrack. 

Happily Ever After is the park's current nighttime spectacular featuring projections, lasers, special effects, and of course, fireworks. While finding a spot in front of the castle is key if you want to catch the projections, the show is still extremely enjoyable when viewed from other, often less crowded, spots. My favorites are Tomorrowland and Fantasyland (and it's a bonus if you are onboard the PeopleMover or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train while fireworks are exploding in the sky above you).

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Visitors looking to maximize their time in the parks should opt to order from quick-serve locations, preferably with mobile orders. Sleepy Hollow is a great stop for breakfast, offering an extremely popular fresh fruit waffle sandwich. Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe is a reliable stop for burgers and chicken strips. It’s also home to Sonny Eclipse, a beloved animatronic performing lounge tunes all about his home planet Zork in the dining room. Casey’s Corner offers hot dogs, corn dog nuggets, and french fries. If you’re looking for non-fried choices, Columbia Harbor House serves New England-inspired seafood dishes.

Guests who want to get up close with their favorite friends can make a reservation for a character meal at Cinderella’s Royal Table to dine with princesses or The Crystal Palace for a meal with Pooh and friends. Other standout table-service restaurants are Be Our Guest, Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen, and Tony’s Town Square Restaurant, thanks to a recent menu overhaul that makes it a fantastic place to enjoy a glass of wine on the patio, especially while a parade passes by.

Snack fiends, be prepared: there are a lot of can’t-miss Disney World foods , including pineapple upside-down cake topped with Dole Whip from Aloha Isle, cheeseburger spring rolls at The Spring Roll Cart, and the pepper jack pretzel from Cheshire Cafe.

Related: 30 Best Disney World Restaurants

Magic Kingdom Itinerary 

Be ready to book your first Genie+ selection and join the virtual queue for Tron Lightycle Run at 7 a.m. If you miss the 7 a.m. window, there is another chance to join the Tron virtual queue at 1 p.m. from inside the park. If you’re staying on property, be ready to enter the park when Early Entry begins. Otherwise, be prepared to rope drop as soon as the park opens. Head to the most popular rides first to take advantage of the shortest lines you’ll likely see all day. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Peter Pan's Flight, Jungle Cruise, and Space Mountain develop some of the highest wait times as the day goes on. From there, tackle the park by land, and don’t forget to take your time and enjoy. Continue to utilize Genie+ to book return times for attractions — or if you’ve opted to pass on the additional purchase, keep an eye on wait times in the app to head to the shortest lines. Try to spot a parade along the way, and end your day with Happily Ever After.

• “Be at the park, admission in hand, 60 minutes before the official opening. On most days, Disney will let you into the park and allow you to line up for your first ride well before the park opens. This is a tremendous advantage over those who can't get up and out the door that early. You'll be well on your way to your second (or third) ride before most people have gone through the turnstiles,” says Testa.
• Be prepared for the weather. “No matter what time of year you go to Magic Kingdom, it will likely rain — and it’s always A LOT of rain. Because I have been caught unprepared for rain at Walt Disney World (more than once), I now carry a pair of inexpensive, lightweight flip-flops in my backpack. That way, I can quickly swap out my sneakers and socks to keep them dry (this works well on water rides too!),” says Davis-Friedman.
• If you plan on spending a lot of time at Magic Kingdom, consider splurging to stay at a neighboring hotel. Guests can walk directly to the park from Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. This convenience will save you a lot of time and hassle if you plan on staying until the park closes.
• For those looking to avoid the post-fireworks crowds, consider watching them from the neighboring resorts. Diners at The California Grill located on the top floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort have access to a viewing deck that pipes in the show’s sound, as does the beach at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. 
• Some of the best parts of a day in Magic Kingdom aren’t just the moments of soaring through Big Thunder Mountain or passing by hitchhiking ghosts inside The Haunted Mansion; they’re the magical moments in between, like having a spontaneous dance party with The Country Bears or spotting the names of several key Imagineers on the windows along Main Street U.S.A. 

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