My Magical Day on the Disney Magic Cruise Ship
My initial thoughts were that it would be like walking into The Magic Kingdom, with all things Disney everywhere and very much "in your face" but I couldn't of been more surprised. Yes this is a Disney Ship but actually the interior, the layout is very subtle, when I first walked into the Atrium the only "Disneyfied" part was a beautiful statue of Captain Mickey and some pictures of Disney Characters and Walt Disney himself upon the walls.
There are of course the Hidden Mickeys (real Disney fans would be disappointed if there was not) and as you go around the ship it does become more apparent that this is Disney, but I was worried it would all be over the top. That couldn't be further from the truth, it is all very tastefully done, my initial impression that a Disney Ship is only for kids was quickly squashed, I would happily spend a week on here.
FOR THE ADULTS
If you are cruising without kids, then you will enjoy it, I think you would want to have an interest in Disney, but don't feel that it's all about Mickey, there is plenty to do and lots of Adult Only Areas (Bars, Restaurant, Pool, Spa etc).
FOR THE KIDS
The kid's clubs blew me away, and made me wish I was a youngster again, imagine playing in Andy's room from Toy Story or becoming Iron Man in the Avengers Academy.
Disney has 4 levels of Kids Clubs
It's a small World Nursery - for babies to 3 year olds (Disney takes infants from 12 weeks)
Disney's Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab - for ages 3 -12
Edge for ages 11 -14
Vibe for ages 14 -17
My favourite was the Oceaneer Clubs - Toy Story, Pixie Hollow, it looks amazing and is very spacious, for the older kids they have their own areas filled with High Tech fun and in Vibe they even have their own sun deck area and a chill spa relaxation zone.
I have to mention here the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, because this is one of my favourite things about Disney - this is where the kids (boys and girls) can go for a full on Disney Makeover and become the Princess or Prince of their dreams - beware though its not free but if you want to give your child a very special treat its worth it.
ENTERTAINMENT
Again don't think everything is going to be Disney, yes there are Disney Deck Parties, Character Meets, and Disney Shows such as Tangled the Musical and Once upon a Song but for evening entertainment there is also comedians, musicians, an Abba tribute, and other performers, as well as on board game shows.
There is a theatre on board that shows all the latest Disney Films, Shops, Karaoke, Deck Party's, an Irish Pub, Movies under the Stars and then there is the outside areas.
Aqua Dunk, Aqua Lab, Goofy's Pool, Nephews Splash Zone (for the little ones) Quiet Cove Pool (adults only) and Twist and Spout (water slides) there are plenty of areas to get wet and have fun, the slides looked really good and I loved the little splash zone for the little ones.
There seemed to be lots of sun loungers and plenty of areas you could go to if you wanted a bit of peace and quiet, I loved the Quiet Cove area for Adults only and nice sized pool and its own bar.
If you feel the need to exercise then there is a Gym on board, for me I would prefer to chill out in the spa area.
I was surprised to learn that there is no Casino on board any of the Disney Ships, but they do have the odd game of Bingo.
FOOD
For your main evening dining, Disney operates on a rotational dining system round 3 restaurants - Animators Palace, Lumineres, and Canocas, there are 2 sittings - first at 5.45pm and 2nd at 8.15pm.
Rotational Dining means that you are seated at a table with the same people and the same wait staff and you all move together each night to the different restaurants - it's a great way to eat in a different place each evening.
There is also Cabana's (buffet restaurant) or Cariocas or if you are looking for more snacky eateries then there is Daisy's De Lites, Pete's Boiler Bites or Pinocchios Pizzeria
Another thing I loved is that in the Irish Bar there is a small buffet area serving late night snacks - always handy to have some food available when you get the munchies and of course there is room service as well.
CABINS
I was really impressed with the size of the cabins, if you were cruising as a family of 5 then you would comfortably fit in, again the whole Disney theme is not in your face, there are Disney films on the TV and maybe a Disney Picture on the wall but apart from the branded toiletries and a cushion on the bed that's about it.
What Disney do that is completely different to most cruise lines is that most cabins have a split bathroom with a shower/bath and sink in 1 room and then a separate toilet and wash basin in another, perfect for when you and the family are getting ready.
In a family room you would have a double bed, bunk beds and a sofa bed (if up to 5) or if its just for 2 adults then its a double bed (can be converted to twins) and a sofa to chill out on.
They offer Inside, Outside, Balcony and Suite Cabins (my god the suite was AMAZING!!) and also have a number of adapted cabins available for the wheelchair users.
Overall my feeling was one of luxury and space.
Another little touch is that Disney provide free walkie talkies for families to use on board, you don't have to pay or connect to the internet to use them and so handy for keeping track on everyone.
So in closing, I have to say I loved the ship, I think its brilliant for adults and kids alike, you can take part in as much or as little as you like, its definitely not in your face and come on even I got excited when I saw Mickey! For families it's amazing the kids clubs are just out of this world and there is so much going on for the kids to get involved with so Mum and Dad really can chill.
Disney Magic is cruising from Dover in 2017/2018 on various Europe Itineraries (Caribbean later in the year). Disney Wonder, Dream and Fantasy are cruising the Caribbean, Alaska and Bahamas, please do give me a call if you would like more information.