Summary
Cruising with Mickey and All the Disney Characters
The Disney Magic is an excellent mixture of classic ocean liner beauty and Disney whimsy. She is an exceptional choice for family cruising but provides enough space, entertainment, and activities to draw couples and adults traveling without kids.
Disney Cruise Line excels at organization, attention to details, and entertainment, which are key to a successful cruise experience. The characters and small Disney touches, such as the “When You Wish Upon a Star” horn, Mickey’s voice on the wake-up call, and hidden Mickey heads in the decor, create a fun cruise for everyone of all ages.
A Look at the Outside of the Disney Magic
The Disney Magic was launched in 1998 and features a classic ocean liner look with a black hull, shining white top, and iconic red funnels adorned with Mickey heads. The ship underwent significant renovations in 2013, adding exciting new features while retaining beloved existing ones.
Unlike many modern ships, the Disney Magic features two funnels, one of which houses the Vibe teen center. Continuing the Mickey theme, the lifeboats are yellow, creating a distinctive Disney palette of black, white, red, and yellow. The ship’s bow has intricate gold detailing reminiscent of classic tall ships, complemented by a whimsical touch of Goofy painting it.
Disney Magic – Interior Common Areas
The interior of the Disney Magic showcases Art Deco styling and stunning Disney-themed artwork. Exploring the ship feels like a treasure hunt as guests discover hidden Mickey logos throughout the decor.
The lobby, a soaring three-story space, features a bronze statue of Mickey Mouse at the helm and is capped with a magnificent crystal chandelier. The Walt Disney Theatre, seating 977 guests, provides some of the best shows at sea, featuring a mix of singers, dancers, and Disney characters in each production.
Disney Magic – Kids’ Programs and Youth Clubs
Touring the youth clubs designed for kids on the Disney Magic can make anyone long for their under-18 days again! The youth clubs are:
- It’s a Small World Nursery – 6 months to 3 years (1 year minimum on some longer cruises)
- Oceaneer Club – Pixie Hollow – 3 to 12 years old
- Oceaneer Club – Andy’s Room – 3 to 12 years old
- Oceaneer Club – Mickey Mouse Club Room – 3 to 12 years old
- Oceaneer Club – MARVEL’s Avenger Academy – 3 to 12 years old
- Oceaneer Lab – 3 to 12 years old
- Edge Tween Club – 11 to 14 years old
- Vibe Teen Club – 14 to 17 years old
Disney Magic – Exterior Common Areas
Many activities on the Disney Magic are centered outdoors, starting with a high-energy sailaway party and daily pool activities. There are three pools on the ship: one for adults, one for families, and one exclusively for kids, each with unique features such as a mega-movie screen or the Mickey slide, making them a hub of daily life onboard.
A thrilling water slide, AquaDunk, was introduced during the ship’s re-imagination—a memorable ride lasting just seven seconds! Evening events on the pool deck include the exciting “Pirates In the Caribbean” party that features a themed dinner followed by music, dancing, and spectacular fireworks.
Disney Magic – Dining and Cuisine
The Disney Magic features three main dining rooms: Lumiere’s, Carioca’s, and Animator’s Palate, where guests rotate during the cruise while keeping their table number and companions the same. This continuity enhances the dining experience.
The standout dining experience is at Palo, the adults-only alternative restaurant located on the top deck, offering stunning views, exceptional service, and delicious cuisine. Families can also enjoy casual dining at the colorful Cabana’s, which features both indoor and outdoor seating.
Disney Magic – Cabins and Accommodations
The Disney Magic accommodates 2,700 passengers in 875 cabins, many designed to sleep four guests. Of the 720 outside cabins, 388 feature private verandas, perfect for enjoying the warm Caribbean weather. The cabins are bright, practical, and equipped with ample storage space.
The bathrooms are split into two areas, one featuring a sink and toilet while the other contains a sink and shower-tub combo, adding convenience for family travel. Stewards maintain cleanliness and leave delightful chocolate surprises and towel animals each evening.
Disney Magic – Lounges and Bars
Although a Disney Magic cruise primarily focuses on family fun, the cruise line has thoughtfully included several adult lounges, particularly in the After Hours district on Deck 3. My favorite was the peaceful Keys lounge, featuring live piano music and large portholes for ocean viewing. Sports fans can enjoy watching games at O’Gill’s Pub, while Fathoms nightclub offers entertainment for adults in the evenings.
These lounges also host adult-oriented activities like well-organized wine tastings, which were among the highlights of my cruise experience.
Disney Magic – Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean Cruise Overview
I cruised the Disney Magic to the eastern Caribbean from Port Canaveral on a seven-day itinerary that included two enjoyable sea days followed by visits to St. Croix and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. During our stop in St. Thomas, I participated in a half-day excursion to St. John, concluding with a day at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay—one of the finest private islands in the Caribbean.
This itinerary offered an ideal blend of relaxation at sea and exploration in port, with plenty of onboard activities for guests of all ages. I appreciated the three sea days that allowed us to fully enjoy the Disney experience.
In January 2014, I took a quick three-night cruise on the Disney Magic from Port Canaveral to Nassau and Castaway Cay. Despite its brevity, it still included many fun activities, such as fireworks and themed parties typically featured on longer Disney cruises.
Disney Magic – European Cruise Overview
The Disney Magic provides an excellent option for families or adults wishing to explore Europe. The ship offers a Mediterranean roundtrip from Barcelona and also sails northern Europe voyages from Copenhagen or London, with special itineraries allowing fans of “Frozen” to visit Norway.
This detailed travel log of a Disney Magic western Mediterranean cruise provides insights into ports of call and unique Disney port adventures tailored for families.
Disney also offers an incredible Adventures by Disney Short Escape in Barcelona as a pre-cruise option, which showcases the beautiful Catalonian city over three nights.
Disney Magic – Summary and Wrap-up
The Disney Magic far exceeded my expectations. It is truly an excellent choice for families, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much fun it was for adults traveling without kids. The highlights included exceptional organization, amazing Disney entertainment, delightful dining at Palo, and witnessing the joy on children’s faces when interacting with Disney characters. Of course, we also made sure to capture a photo with Mickey!
