Everything You Need to Know About Disney Cruise Ships

As the original Disney Cruise Line vessel, the Disney Magic retains its charm while embracing a collection of modernizations and upgrades to feel good as new.

Onboard Entertainment

Three Broadway-style shows are performed on the Disney Magic: “Twice Charmed,” a twist on the Cinderella story; “Disney Dreams — An Enchanted Classic,” an original show with cameos by characters like Peter Pan and Aladdin; and “Tangled: The Musical,” Disney Magic’s signature show featuring stunning sets and beloved songs from the film.

In addition to nightly live music, magic shows, comedy performances at Fathoms and karaoke, families can take in Marvel, Pixar, Disney and “Star Wars” films currently in movie theaters at the full-size Buena Vista Theatre. On the outdoor upper decks, the Wide World of Sports offers basketball and ping pong, a selection of pools and hot tubs and the famed AquaDunk waterslide, with a 3-story drop.

Exclusively For Kids

Whisk down a Slinky Dog slide in the “Toy Story”-themed Andy’s Room area, join the Lion Guard or learn hero-worthy lessons from Thor within a MARVEL Super Hero Academy — it’s all part of Disney’s Oceaneer Club, open to children ages 3 through 12. There are even more exciting Disney experiences throughout Disney’s Oceaneer Lab, Vibe teen club and Edge tween club, all included with Disney Cruise ship sailings. (“It’s a small world” nursery, which charges a nominal hourly rate, is also available for younger children.)

Experiences For Adults

Disney cruise ships are covered in high-end decor and thoughtful design that feel more classy and less kid-focused, but select adults-only experiences, including exclusive patios and pools, still thrive. A collection of bars called After Hours brings live music nightly to Keys, a ‘50s piano bar, and an opportunity to catch up on sports at O’Gills Pub, while Palo, a higher-end restaurant that requires a surcharge and reservation, is the ultimate date night. Don’t miss the “rainforest room” on the Disney Magic cruise ship’s Senses Spa, as well as adult beverage tasting seminars.

Disney Dining

Guests on the Disney Magic cruise ship will rotate between three restaurants nightly. Rapunzel’s Royal Table, a new Disney Cruise Line eatery, provides a themed night of lively music, revelry from some Snuggly Duckling denizens and an appearance by Rapunzel and Flynn Rider within a lantern-lined ballroom. Animator’s Palate is surrounded by momentos from Disney and Pixar animated films that “come to life” throughout dinner, and Lumiere’s channels the elegance of “Beauty and the Beast.”

Casual meals can be had at all-day buffet Cabanas or ordered via 24-hour room service on board the Disney Magic. Otherwise, stop by Duck-In Diner for hot dogs, chicken fingers or a shawarma sandwich, enjoy a quick lunch at Pinocchio’s Pizzeria or something healthier from Daisy’s De-Lites on the upper Disney cruise ship decks.

Special Events

Thinking of booking a Disney cruise in 2019 or 2020? Check Disney Magic sailings for ones that include Marvel Day At Sea, which lets guests sail the high seas with Groot as the blockbuster films take over the ship with themed food, activities and character experiences with Iron Man, Black Panther and Thor, among others. There is also an entire “Frozen” celebration on select 7-night Disney Magic sailings in 2019, which will include live shows, a deck party, extravagant food options and an unexpected dose of winter. Additionally, look for special seasonal celebrations for Christmas and Halloween.

Ports of Call

Of all Disney Cruise Line ships, the Disney Magic offers the largest variety of itineraries. In addition to Eastern Caribbean sailings from New York, Western Caribbean sailings from Miami, and Bahamian journeys with stops at Disney Cruise Line’s private island Castaway Cay, the Disney Magic cruise ship also does Western European jaunts in England and Ireland, Northern European trips to Estonia, Russia and Finland, Norwegian Fjords and Mediterranean cruises as well as a Mediterranean Greek Isles cruise, back for 2020. Or, book a Transatlantic cruise for more time aboard the Disney Magic cruise ship than most get in a lifetime.

Disney Magic cruises start around $1650, check online for Disney cruise deals and current Disney Cruise Line prices.