Birth of the Disney Magic

Each Disney Cruise ship follows the long-standing maritime tradition of having a godmother (or godchildren) present at the ship’s christening. Patricia Disney, Roy E. Disney’s first wife, was the godmother of Disney Magic. Here are some other facts about the birth of this notable ship. 

Class: Magic

Passenger capacity: approximately 2,700

Staterooms: 875

Entered service: July 30, 1998

Christened: September 16, 1998

Refurbished: 2013

Shipyard: Fincantieri

Gross tonnage: 83,969 GT

Length: 984 ft / 300 m

Beam: 106 ft / 32 m

Draft: 25.3 ft / 7.7 m

Decks: 11

Speed: 21.5 knots (23.5 knots max)

Theming: Art Deco

Medallion character (featured at the bow of the ship): Sorcerer Mickey
Atrium statute: Helmsman Mickey

Stern character: Goofy 

Featuring gorgeous art deco design, the atrium of the Disney Magic originally boasted a glass chandelier designed by Dale Chihuly until it was replaced during the ship’s 2013 refurbishment.

Details that REALLY Matter: Dining on Board the Disney Magic

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Each Disney Cruise ship has three unique table-service dining options, one of which is an upscale restaurant located just off of the ship’s atrium, usually featuring live entertainment. Aboard the Disney Magic you’ll find: 

Rapunzel’s Royal Table

Savor German-inspired fare while celebrating Rapunzel’s birthday as she, Flynn, and other friends perform songs from “Tangled.” 

Animator’s Palate

A Disney Cruise Line classic featuring Pacific Island, Asian, and Californian cuisine, you’ll find different incarnations of the Animator’s Palate on each of Disney’s first four ships. This family favorite upscale spot features screen-based entertainment that gets guests in on the animation fun by engaging them to draw a cartoon character, which is then animated into the evening’s musical spectacular, a major highlight of dining at the Animator’s Palette. On some sailings, guests may also have the fun of joining Sorcerer Mickey on a journey to discover the evolution of animation.

Lumiere’s

With its visually stunning Beauty and the Beast them, naturally Lumiere’s features fine French cuisine, as well as a sweeping, romantic atmosphere that manages to supply the right amount of whimsy for children and romantic elegance for adults.

Palo

Disney schedules each passenger’s dinner time to ensure you’re guaranteed a visit to each restaurant during your time aboard. Guests also have the option to partake of exclusives like an evening at Palo, a chic, sophisticated, adults-only spot offering incredible Northern Italian fare.

And of course there are multiple poolside quick-service venues, pool-side cabanas, and the cruisers favorite, nonstop buffets.

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Showing Out and Showing Off: Entertainment Aboard Disney Magic  

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Part of what makes cruising so much fun is that the party begins as soon as you pull anchor. Mickey’s Sail-A-Wave Party!… A Bon Voyage Celebration is a special and ceremonial part of every first day of sailing aboard the Disney Magic.

And who is surprised to learn that Disney Cruise Line was the first cruise line to launch fireworks at sea? Even better? They’re still the only one. Disney and fireworks: they’re like peanut butter and jelly. 

As if an all day party and fireworks over the ocean weren’t enough (and we’re just getting started) one of our favorite things to do aboard ship is turn out for Pirate Night. This classic Disney Cruise celebration includes a stage show and fireworks presentation, and is a fantastic excuse to get done up in your Pirate best (we love a costume party - can you tell?)

For those who prefer princesses over pirates, Disney Magic also boasts a Frozen-themed deck party on select 7-night sailings. 

And because entertainment is as synonymous with cruising as buffets, Disney Cruise Line also features several original Broadway-style stage shows, some of which rotate to different ships. Each ship offers three shows per sailing so you have plenty to keep you entertained. At least one show is sure to be is inspired by a classic Disney movie, while another is an original story found only aboard Disney Cruise Line.

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Keeping Busy: Fitness, Sports, & Activities Aboard Disney Magic

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While just running from one activity to another could put you well over the step goal, Disney Magic offers state-of-the-art fitness centers boasting cool cardio equipment, weight machines, and even classes like weight machines and even classes like aerobics, yoga, Pilates instruction, and more classes*. You can even schedule a session with a personal trainer (additional fees apply.)

Hop on over to the Wide World of Sports Deck to shoot a little open-air basketball or get your  ping-pong on. It wouldn’t be a cruise ship without shuffleboard, and of course, there is a running track. On Disney Magic, this can be found outside on deck 4.

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Be Our Guest: Get the Royal Treatment at Disney Magic’s Spa & Salons

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Sea air: great for the soul, bad for the hair. Fortunately, salon services are available on Disney Magic, everything from hairstyling to teeth whitening, as well as manicures, pedicures, and men’s grooming services, so everyone can look and feel their best. 

Ready for a bit more pampering? Senses Spa & Salon aboard Disney Magic puts the cherry on top of your relaxing vacation with spa treatments that include massages, body wraps, facials, aromatherapy, and more. 

Looking for next-level luxury? Indulge yourself at Disney Magic’s luxurious Spa Villas: elegant treatment rooms with open-air verandahs where you can experience true relaxation while soaking in the sweeping ocean views. You can even have a bottle of champagne, strawberries and additional treatments added to your private session. Villa amenities include: 

Spa treatment rooms

Private verandah

Personal whirlpool

Shower

Outdoor lounger

Tea ceremony

Foot cleansing ceremony

Other spa options include The Rejuvenation Spa where you can begin your experience with a complimentary 30-minute consultation to determine which of the 4 groundbreaking, nonsurgical treatments are right for you. 

Teens also have private access to the Chill Spa designed for teenagers only.

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Make a Splash: Hanging Poolside on Disney Magic

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Disney Magic’s family pool has a charming Goofy theme (because who doesn’t love Goofy?) Kids off having their own adventure? Treat yourself to an afternoon at the Quiet Cove Pool - it’s just for the grown-ups. 

Once they’re back, make some memories at the AquaLab, a splash-and-play area for kids featuring the Twist ‘n’ Spout water slide, a 250-ft double-looping slide (note that guests must be at least 38″ tall to ride and adult supervision is required for guests under the age of 16.)

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If you’re ready for a bigger thrilled, meander on down to the AquaDunk, accessible on deck 13. This 37 ft body slide sends you soaring over the side of the ship on a 20 ft curvature before plummeting a total of 212 ft (guests must be at least 48″ tall to ride this water slide.)

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Youth Gone Wild: How Disney Cruise Line Makes Cruising Magical for Kids 

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Naturally the Disney Magic is equipped with oodles of kid-friendly fun. Unlike other cruise lines, Disney doesn’t overlook the littlest members of your party. Children from 6 months to 3 years old (or starting from the age of one year on Transatlantic, Hawai’i and Panama Canal itineraries) can play and nap in the It’s a Small World-themed nursery (get it?) There is an additional charge and advance reservations are required, but it’s a great way for mom and dad to get some time with the older kids, or to just get a chance to explore the ship while little ones get the down time they need. 

Here are the best things for kids to do on Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Magic:

Play Dress Up

Another cool feature we love is that the ship offers one of our favorite highlights of the Magic Kingdom out to sea - the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique! Little cruisers can become princesses or pirates, adding even more magic to an already memorable trip. 

Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab 

For kids ages 3 to 12, Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab bring Disney Wonder to life with:

Andy’s Room: Reach for the Sky! Kids can experience the magic of Pixar’s “Toy Story” trilogy in this multi-level area, complete with supersized Slinky Dog slide

Animator’s Studio: Create original hand-drawn art and learn to sketch your favorite Disney pals.

Captain’s Workshop: Kick back, watch Disney movies, and play video games amidst pirate-y props in this spacious play area which also hosts numerous activities throughout the day.

Craft Studio: Creative types can channel their right-brain brilliance into a tactile masterpiece at this hands-on, arts-and-crafts studio.

The Wheelhouse: Using large LCD screens and navigation simulators, captains-in-training can steer their very own Disney ship through the Caribbean Sea!

Anyone Can Cook: Inspired by “Ratatouille,” kids will learn how to measure and mix ingredients before baking up a batch of delish chocolate-chip cookies, leaving the best part to last—the taste test!

Piston Cup Challenge: Build race cars from bars of soap for good clean fun and high-octane laughs based on Disney’s “Cars.”

Super Sloppy Science with Professor Make-O-Mess: Laugh, learn, and turn the lab upside down with the world-famous scientist who loves leaving a trail of mayhem behind!

Zootopia Mystery Trek: There’s a mystery going on in Zootopia and Officer Judy Hopps and her friends need your help to figure it out.

Marvel Super Hero Academy

If superheroes are more their speed (we’re Slinky Dog aficionados ourselves) there’s the Marvel Super Hero Academy. Kids can immerse themselves in the superhero world, swooping into the top-secret command post of S.H.I.E.L.D. and wielding the weaponry of their favorite Avenger. If that weren’t enough, there are arts and crafts, video games - and even surprise Super Hero visits.

Inside the World of Disney Junior

Disney Cruise Line brings the world of Disney Junior to life for kids of (nearly) all ages with games, character fun, and so much more. Here are the highlights: 

Pixie Hollow

Immerse yourself in the magical realm that Tinker Bell and her fairy friends call home! Play dress-up, create crafts, make use of kid-friendly computers, and listen to stories of magic and wonder in this whimsical forest setting. 

Character activities

Thor Becoming Worthy: Join Thor in this astonishing journey and learn what it takes to become part of the next generation of heroes.

Puzzle Playtime with Mickey and Friends: Mickey Mouse and company stop by to play some games with Disney Cruise Line’s youngest seafarers and their families.

Mickey and the Roadster Racers: Mickey Mouse invites you to build and race your own roadster racer as you compete to win the Cruise Line Cup!

Disney Royal Academy: Learn about your favorite Disney Princes and Princesses, create your own royal garb, and become one of the most powerful in the land.

Join the Lion Guard: Harness your inner animal and find out if you have what it takes to join the Lion Guard!

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For the Bigger Kids: Edge

Designed for tweens and teens from the ages of 11 to 14, Edge bridges the gap between the whimsy and cool (kids aged 11-12 can choose to visit Disney’s Oceaneer Club & Lab or Edge). 

Entertainment at Edge includes:

Video gaming stations

Tables for arts and crafts

A 98ʺ flat-screen plasma TV for watching Disney movies

Dance floor for parties and games

For the Biggest Kids (besides mom and dad) 

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For the older kids, ages 14-17, there’s Vibe, housed in the forward funnel of the Disney Magic. Fun for the teens at Vibe includes:

Multiple flat-screen TVs

Video games

Board games

Tablets

Both Vibe and Edge host various activities aimed at tweens/teens both inside the youth clubs and throughout the ship, including pool parties and lunches.

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Nightlife Aboard Disney Magic: Inside Magic’s Nightclubs & Lounges

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For the adults in the crowd, Fathoms in After Hours on Disney Magic is the place to go. 

Open to families during the day, by night these are open to adults-only.

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After Hours is the “adult” district aboard Disney Magic, a place grownups can let their hair down. It’s home to several hot spots, including Fathoms nightclub, Keys, and O’Gills Pub.

Still reading? We mean it when we say that the fun never stops aboard Disney Magic. There’s truly something - many things, in fact - for everyone. Which one will you try first? Which will be your favorite? 

And most important of all, when can you be ready to set sail?

For a free, no-obligation quote, reach out to our team today. We’ve got the ins and outs on every cruise ship and itinerary. Let us help you find the one that’s right for you.