Read more Disney Cruise Line reviews: Disney Magic, Disney Wonder and Disney Dream
Ship: Disney Magic
Itinerary: A special seven-night Western Caribbean with not one, but two stops at Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas. The itinerary is offered only a few times each year. Check with your cruise seller for more information.
Our Stateroom: 7078, on the seventh deck between midship and aft. The balcony stateroom features a queen-sized bed, fold down sofa for sleeping one child and a single bunk that can be lowered from the ceiling for sleeping another child.
Disney’s ships feature a bath and a half. Both baths, adjacent to one another and separated by a wall, feature sinks and vanities. The toilet is in one bathroom, and a short-length tub and shower in the other.
Supplied amenities include shampoo, conditioner and body butter. Our stateroom included a refrigerator (not stocked), desk with two AC outlets, flat-screen LCD television, coffee table that could be raised and lowered for in-room dining, and plenty of storage, including a reproduction of a steamer case turned upright for storage. Our Filipino room steward, Alex, was attentive and ever-present when needed, and also made towel animals that the children enjoyed each night.
What’s New: The 2,700-passenger Disney Magic went into drydock September 2008 for some big enhancements, including upgrades at Quiet Cove, the serene pool retreat reserved for the enjoyment of adults.
Also, the Oceaneer Club, a Neverland-themed play space for 3-7 year olds, and the Oceaneer Lab, a whacky and interactive laboratory exclusively for 8-12 year olds, were enhanced with new registration areas that make the check-in process more efficient and hassle-free.
Also new: a toddler water playground inspired by Fantasia’s Sorcerer’s Apprentice. The 385-square-foot extension to the Mickey Pool on deck 9 features star- and moon-shaped interactive fountains, a soft play surface and whimsical splash zones; creating an inviting environment for children not yet toilet trained and in swim diapers.
Ah, Spa! Disney was the first to introduce ship-board spa villas. The villas feature treatment suites connected to a private outdoor veranda with personal hot tub, open air shower and a double-wide chaise lounge. Couples massages are available for those seeking a relaxing and romantic spa treatment.
Ocean Quest: A kids’ center on deck 2, Ocean Quest features a scaled replica of a ship’s bridge, complete with LCD screen “windows” that let children look out over the bridge via live video feed from the actual bridge. My children sat in the traditional captain’s chair and participated in a simulation game where they steered a cruise ship in and out of various ports of call. Ocean Quest also features computer and video games as well as arts and crafts, and is one of five dedicated venues for children — the others include Flounder’s Reef Nursery, Oceaneer Club, Oceaneer Lab and The Stack (for teens).
Top Deck Fun: Disney Magic features a jumbo LED screen affixed to the forward funnel on deck 9. At the Goofy Pool (family pool area), classic Disney animated or live-action movies air on the 24-by-14-foot screen, visible even during daylight.
On one night of our cruise, we enjoyed what may just be the cruising’s best top-deck party. Themed “Pirates In the Caribbean,” the event featured a stage show, dancing, barbecue and buffet as well as something we had never seen on a cruise ship: a fireworks display. The event ended with Mickey Mouse flying in on a zipline and, later, the airing of the movie, “Pirates of the Caribbean.”
We also enjoyed the poolside dining venue: Goofy’s Galley, featuring such light fare as grilled panini sandwiches, wraps, fruit and salads. Soft drinks are complimentary shipwide, with soda dispensers stationed in the pool area.
Disney Magic Tips: If you arrive to the terminal early, register your children in the kids program before boarding the ship (boarding begins at noon, and rooms are ready at 1:30). Snacks are available in the terminal and can be charged to your stateroom card.
Navigational Tip: Topsider Buffet was overly crowded, especially during lunch. Once, we had to lift our trays above our heads to get to our seats, because so many people were lined up. When Topsider Buffet is crowded, go to Parrot Cay dining room, which serves breakfast and lunch buffets as well.
The Bottom Line: It would be hard to imagine anyone disembarking either of Disney’s two ships having not had a great time. Even adults can find plenty of areas to retreat from children in the many adults-only areas.
