If automobiles are sometimes thought-about classics after 25 years, how does that translate to a preferred cruise ship that’s crusing towards its twenty fifth birthday?
Having sailed on Disney Cruise Line’s latest ship, Disney Want, which continues to be in its first yr of operations, together with each Disney Dream and Disney Surprise, I used to be curious how my household would discover issues on the oldest ship in Disney’s fleet: Disney Magic.
Consider it or not, it has been virtually 25 years since Magic first set sail in 1998, so it really is an older ship by U.S. cruise line requirements.
Nevertheless, age is only a quantity, as they are saying, so I used to be excited to expertise the Disney ship that began all of it. After greater than 20 years of service, would it not be a timeless traditional or a less-impressive model of the youthful and larger Disney ships?
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On a cold January morning, my household and I packed our Mickey ears and made the two-hour drive to the ship’s winter house port of Galveston, Texas, able to learn how Disney Magic stands as much as the opposite ships within the fleet.
How previous is Disney Magic?
Disney Magic set sail on its maiden voyage July 30, 1998, from Florida to the Bahamas. Nevertheless, the ship has had work performed through the years, and never every bit of it’s quickly approaching 25 years previous.
For instance, some components of the ship are simply 5 years previous as a result of they had been added or revamped throughout Magic’s final dry dock, when the cruise line took the chance to make some upgrades.
Up to date points of interest embody the teenager membership Vibe, the adults-only espresso store Cove Cave and the one “Tangled-” themed restaurant on the ocean: Rapunzel’s Royal Desk.
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Dry-dock refurbishments are a reasonably routine incidence, going down each 5 years or so. Which means the ship is not caught in a 1998 time warp.
As an alternative, it is fairly comparable in some ways to all its fleetmates besides Disney Want, which is admittedly part of the subsequent era of Disney ships reasonably than a continuation of the appear and feel of the primary 4.
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Vibe on Disney Magic. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY
In different phrases, do not let the age of Disney Magic scare you.
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The dimensions of Disney Magic
Disney Magic could be the oldest (and tied with Disney Surprise for the fleet’s smallest ship), but it surely’s nonetheless a big ship at 11 decks excessive and 984 toes lengthy. The 875-cabin vessel holds 3,658 passengers — 2,713 cruisers and about 945 crew members.
The ship options two theaters, 5 youngsters golf equipment, a spa, 4 eating places (plus a buffet and quick-service meals stalls) and three swimming pools. In different phrases, you may keep busy exploring and having fun with the ship for at the very least a number of days.
Eating places and meals on Disney Magic
Disney Magic debuted the cruise line’s rotational eating system, which is exclusive within the cruise trade.
All through the cruise, passengers rotate by three complimentary eating venues, and your serving staff joins you within the totally different eating places every evening. Different eating choices embody the extra-fee, adults-only restaurant, Disney Cruise Line’s devoted Italian restaurant. There are additionally informal grab-and-go venues on the pool deck.
Rapunzel’s Royal Desk
My favourite of the three included rotational eating places is Rapunzel’s Royal Desk, discovered solely on Disney Magic. Right here, you get the distinctive expertise of attending Rapunzel’s birthday celebration.
Floating lanterns dot the ceiling, and a few of the stars of “Tangled” carry out a musical present on a central stage whilst you dine. Finally, most of the characters work their method across the room, so you may say hello to the film’s villains and heroes. This dinner present was most just like the Tiana-themed restaurant on Disney Surprise, which can also be wonderful.
Professional tip: Get the shrimp appetizer when you take pleasure in seafood — get two when you actually take pleasure in seafood.
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Lumiere’s
Probably the most non-descript of the three foremost eating rooms on Disney Magic is Lumiere’s, which is “Magnificence and the Beast” impressed. Nevertheless, you may solely know that from the roses on the ceiling and the portray on one wall.
In any other case, it is simply a big restaurant that offers off main artwork deco vibes. If it’s good to miss a restaurant in favor of a meal at Palo or enjoyable in your room, I would choose this one because it’s essentially the most generic of the three.
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Animator’s Palate
All unique 4 Disney ships have a model of Animator’s Palate, although it varies a bit on every ship.
The one on Disney Magic begins in black and white, however the room and the wait workers acquire colourful adornments all through the course of the meal. A particular visitor makes an look in the course of the grand finale, which is when issues actually rework into full shade, accompanied with thrilling music and particular results.
The particular visitor (spoiler alert: Mickey in his not often worn Sorcerer’s Apprentice outfit) dances his method throughout the room, so have your digital camera prepared.
Our flip in Animator’s Palate occurred on the ultimate evening of our cruise, so the complete wait workers got here out for a spherical of well-deserved applause with Mickey, and it was actually fairly emotional.
You don’t want to depart early from this meal, so order additional dessert when you should and keep put till the tip.
The most well-liked dish right here could be the black truffle pasta purseittes appetizer, because it has fairly the next, although it wasn’t my private favourite. The smoked salmon tartar and vegetarian black bean chipotle truffles had been the hits at our desk.
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Palo
The greatest $45 you may spend onboard a Disney cruise, to me, is certainly a meal at Palo.
This adults-only restaurant is open for brunch and dinner, and you’ll’t go unsuitable with both. There are typically last-minute openings. Nevertheless, that is one meal you may need to e-book as far out as attainable because it’s standard and has restricted seating.
That is the one restaurant on Disney Magic the place meals prices additional, however the fee is affordable for what you get. The basically all-you-want-to-enjoy brunch prices $45 with can’t-miss gadgets akin to hen Parmesan, wild mushroom ravioli, a seafood antipasti plate and chocolate souffle, together with flatbreads, omelets, waffles and extra.
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Favourite grab-and-go spots
Out on deck, you may additionally discover many grab-and-go retailers, that are additionally included in your cruise fare. These venues serve up such fundamentals as delicate serve ice cream, pizza, fries and hen tenders, however two of those fast-food stations had been shock hits.
Daisy’s De Lites primarily affords fruits, salads and cookies, but it surely additionally has a build-your-own hen and rice bowl that was completely unbelievable. Load your bowl up with all the pieces on supply for the most effective outcomes.
One other good shock was the Duck-In Diner counter that served pita, hummus and gyros — a welcome change from the admittedly also-delicious child staples of tenders and fries.
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Waterslide on Disney Magic
In order for you an exciting journey on a Disney ship, by far, the winner in that class is discovered on Disney Magic with its mildly terrifying AquaDunk.
The place the brand new AquaMouse on Disney Want is cute and family-friendly, the AquaDunk is one thing else totally, making it an alluring attraction for the tween and teenage crew.
On this waterslide, you stand in a sales space on the highest level on the ship. When it is your flip, the ground drops out beneath you, and also you fall 40 toes solely to be shot about 18 toes out over the aspect of the ship.
For this slide, not solely do it’s a must to be at the very least 4 toes tall, however it’s a must to be OK with climbing into an enclosed capsule, having the door shut, listening to that countdown after which dropping and getting soaked.
I attempted it as soon as, and that was sufficient for me to say I’ve performed it. If that is too intense for you or your youngsters, don’t be concerned. There is a extra conventional waterslide on Disney Magic, too. The Twist ‘n’ Spout slide by the AquaLab was the favourite spot for my 7-year-old.
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Swimming pools on Disney Magic
Disney Magic has plenty of strengths, however the swimming pools are fairly primary.
Choices embody the AquaLab pool, Goofy’s foremost pool between the 2 funnels, a small splash space and the grownup pool space. Should you go throughout off hours, akin to early or late within the day, it is an ideal expertise. Nevertheless, the swimming pools aren’t almost massive sufficient for the recognition of a noon swim.
The grownup pool space was my private favourite of the three swimming pools, although it is not almost as cool wanting because the infinity pool on Disney Want.
Within the curiosity of setting lifelike expectations, anticipate swimming pools to look rather more like this (or worse) in the course of the warmth of the day.
Child golf equipment on Disney Magic
Small World Nursery
Whereas many of the child golf equipment on Disney cruises are included, the one exception throughout all of the ships is for the Small World Nursery. It is obtainable for little ones from 6 months to three years previous at a fee of $4.50 per hour. This was a comparatively primary house in comparison with the opposite child golf equipment, however this age vary is the simplest to impress.
Professional tip: There’s a one-way mirror so you may examine in your toddler with out them seeing you.
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Oceaneer’s Membership and Lab
The guts of Disney Cruise Line’s child golf equipment are the Oceaneer Membership and Oceaneer Lab, that are linked and obtainable to youngsters from ages 3 to 12 who’re potty educated. Right here, you may discover a “Toy Story-” themed slide, crafts, video video games, organized actions, competitions, an Avenger’s space and extra.
Youngsters can take pleasure in free play or shade, play video video games or go on the slide at their very own tempo, however the youth workers additionally lead frequent group actions all through the day. These could also be a greater match for youths who want a bit extra assist and construction to their enjoyable.
My 7-year-old would persistently eat her dinner as quick as attainable to go right here and preserve taking part in.
There isn’t any charge and no reservations required to come back and play in these golf equipment. Nevertheless, you’ll need to get a Magic Band from the children membership that’s used to trace the kiddos whereas they’re within the golf equipment. Should you return it on the final evening of the cruise, you will not be charged for its use.
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Edge
As soon as your kiddo turns 11 (or 10 with dad or mum permission and sufficient house), they will begin visiting Edge, which has a submarine-under-the-sea look on Disney Magic.
It is almost an identical to the Edge membership on Disney Surprise. Youth workers lead organized actions and video games in Edge at sure occasions in the course of the day, but it surely additionally serves as an off-the-cuff tween hangout spot the remainder of the time.
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Vibe
The teenager membership, Vibe, is open for to these ages 14 to 17, although you will get in a yr early with dad or mum permission, which is what my 13-year-old selected. Each Vibe and Edge are come-and-go golf equipment that do not scan your youngsters out and in or observe them with any kind of band.
The youth workers supply some structured video games and actions, however Vibe is basically a spot to hang around, play video video games and get to know different teenagers.
Professional tip: In case your teen needs to make buddies on the ship, have them be energetic and current within the teen membership on the primary day when there are ice-breaker actions. A number of unofficial cruise packs of buddies kind on day one, after which the teenagers roam the ship collectively, not essentially hanging out within the membership.
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Vibe on Disney Magic. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY
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Rooms on Disney Magic
I am positive there are some variations among the many cabins on Disney Magic, Surprise, Dream and Fantasy, however all of them look the identical to me.
The decor is heavy on navy, white, stripes and wooden. Beneath is our cabin on Magic, which slept the three of us comfortably with the sofa changing to a single mattress. Not like in some cabins we have had, this one didn’t have a mattress that got here down from the ceiling.
It did characteristic the cut up lavatory design Disney Cruise Line is understood for. One small lavatory accommodates the sink and bathroom, and a separate little room has one other sink and a bath/bathe combo. The structure is right for getting a number of individuals prepared for the day or for mattress on the similar time.
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This is a take a look at our most up-to-date cabin on Disney Dream, as a distinction to Disney Magic (or lack of distinction, because the case could also be).
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Grownup areas on Disney Magic
In line with the strategy on the opposite unique Disney ships, the grownup bars and lounges on Disney Magic are largely clustered in the identical space dubbed After Hours.
Right here you may discover Keys, a piano bar and lounge with some top-notch whiskey; O’Gills Pub, which is a superb place for a pint or to look at sports activities; and Fathoms, which is a mixed-use lounge that always serves as a gathering level for excursions or family-friendly actions in the course of the day and as a membership at evening.
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I loved listening to a couple songs in Keys after dinner a number of nights. Nevertheless, none of those areas had been absolutely my cup of tea, primarily as a result of they had been darkish and never tremendous inviting.
Additionally, the lounges’ layouts weren’t conducive to social interplay among the many friends as a result of an emphasis on clustered seating reasonably than communal bar house. Or, perhaps it is simply the luck of the draw, and the cruisers on Disney Magic had been much less all for chatting with their shipmates than on my earlier cruise on Disney Want.
The surprising upside of this was that I didn’t really feel like I used to be lacking out by ditching the bars for my room, the place I might take pleasure in a glass of wine on my balcony.
Professional tip: This grownup space of the ship is the place you can find essentially the most comfy port holes for photographs, studying a e-book or enjoyable and having fun with the journey at sea.
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Exhibits on Disney Magic
Should you ever get the prospect to sail on Disney Magic — or any of the Disney ships — do not miss the Sail Away celebration that takes place shortly after the muster drill because the ship pulls out to sea. It is essentially the most enjoyable option to kick your trip into excessive gear. Arrive a couple of minutes early to get a spot by the stage, particularly if in case you have little youngsters.
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Disney Magic, like the opposite Disney ships, has a movie show the place you may see first-run Disney motion pictures. Since there is just one movie show on Magic, it affords a smaller selection of flicks than on the ships with two theaters, but it surely’s nonetheless a pleasant choice.
The night Broadway-caliber reveals presently on Disney Magic are:
- “Tangled: The Musical.”
- “Disney Desires — An Enchanted Traditional.”
- “Twice Charmed: An Unique Twist on the Cinderella Story.”
We skipped “Disney Desires,” because it was a repeat of what we would seen on Disney Surprise. Nevertheless, all of those reveals are value seeing, with “Tangled” the strongest of the three choices. “Tangled” and “Twice Charmed” are distinctive to Disney Magic, in case it’s good to prioritize.
Fewer temptations to spend cash on Disney Magic
On the brand new Disney Want, I discovered an abundance of temptations to spend cash round each flip.
These included alcoholic popsicle drinks, the ice cream store the children handed a number of occasions per day (with see-through glass partitions, naturally), the Star Wars-themed bar that jumps by hyperspace, the Bayou with pay-to-eat beignets, Nightingale’s subsequent to the child’s membership with the cocktails served in balls of ice, the espresso and cocktails within the ship’s model of a buffet, Marceline Market and so many different enjoyable and engaging methods to half together with your {dollars}.
Whereas Disney Magic doesn’t lack locations to purchase a cocktail, it doesn’t have a candy store, Untangled hair salon, Hook’s Barbery with the “hidden” drink cupboard or specialty snacks like beignets that are not included in your cruise fare.
I discovered it simpler than on Want to merely take pleasure in what comes with the expertise as an alternative of feeling like it’s good to spend $10, $20, $50 or extra a number of occasions a day to get the total expertise.
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How I want they’d make Magic extra magical
I would love for Disney Magic so as to add a slide into the children membership, a brighter and airier spa and another components of Disney Want that we favored, however that is simpler mentioned than performed. I do have a shorter record of extra lifelike upgrades I would like to see on Disney Magic within the coming years.
This unique Disney ship would profit from at the very least one brighter bar or lounge, because the ship can really feel cavernous at occasions. As I discussed, for me, the bars weren’t inviting areas when in comparison with my very own cabin’s balcony. That is in stark distinction to all the attractive bars and lounges on Want I used to be excited to spend time in.
It might even be an actual plus if Disney Magic built-in a magical scavenger hunt kind of exercise that you simply see on different Disney ships. This may layer in yet one more factor for the children to do on a sea day or between different actions.
Additionally, that is private choice, however whereas I take pleasure in and respect the daring nautical theme of the traditional Disney ships, I do suppose there is a option to pull that off with out the striped decor within the staterooms that will have sailed a contact handed its prime.
This is a view of a Disney Want cabin, displaying the up to date decor I would like to see on Disney Magic. It retains the deep blue however steps away from the dated stripes.
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General impressions
Disney Magic was a enjoyable and completely satisfying ship. It does not really feel previous, however it’s smaller and a contact extra quaint than the road’s latest ships.
The ship’s smaller footprint with fewer onboard temptations to spend cash could be a profit in that it is simpler to get round and simply take pleasure in — not solely the ship but additionally the place it is going.
With out all of the pay-to-enjoy distractions, my household went to extra of the gameshows, spent extra time on the swimming pools or studying on the balcony and even watched the infant crawling races, which sound weird however are very entertaining.
I might not hesitate to sail on Disney Magic once more in its twenty fifth yr or sooner or later — irrespective of what number of newer and larger Disney cruise ships make their debuts.
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