Writer Eric Amrine based this independent review on his 7-night Western Caribbean cruise departing from Port Canaveral, Florida.

Disney Magic’s playful décor and onboard activities appeal to a child’s tastes and easily inspire the fertile imaginations of the young and innocent. Even so, plenty of returning Disney cruisers join the fun as couples without children in tow, and Disney Magic makes allowances for those above legal age to escape into their own worlds, be it an intimate art deco bar or a pool where children are never seen.

Travel + Leisure magazine’s 2004 World's Best Awards rated Disney fourth in the company of luxurious six-star cruise lines. And yet, Disney Magic is far from formal and sedate. There are formal and semi-formal evenings, but the everyday ambience and shipboard culture is what you might expect to find at many American theme parks.

Why Disney Magic?

• Imagination and creativity: The wizardry of Disney animators and their legendary abilities to captivate the young is the air you breathe on this ship. Imagination and children are everywhere, and historic animation gels line the walls.
• Theater: Combined live and animated performances bring to life the popular Disney songs you know so well. Even the main dining rooms’ wait staff put on dazzling shows that make meals electric and interactive.
• Character appearances: Characters from decades of animation on the large and small screen make appearances throughout the cruise, with kids and their parents lining up for a meeting, photo op, and autograph.

Who should go
Disney cruises are best suited for families with children, fully grown or still growing, who appreciate top quality service, fine attention to detail, and, of course, the wonderful world of Disney.

Who shouldn’t go
Upscale, experienced travelers used to serene child-free cruising should be discouraged from going. If children underfoot, running on the stairways, or cramming elevators creates bother, don’t sail Disney Magic.

Heard on the deck: “We don’t have any kids. We keep coming back to Disney simply because of the quality and the service.”

Hits and misses

• Don’t miss: Character Breakfasts feature performances from Chip and Dale while other characters, from Mickey to Minnie to Goofy, pose for photos at each table.
• Best part of the ship: Spend most of your time on Deck 9, where outdoor counters provide libations, decent fast food, and free soft drinks within shouting distance of the children’s pool (and near the adult pools).
• Best experience: The Golden Mickeys in the main theater celebrates the musical legacy of Disney Studios, and succeeds at keeping your dream alive.
• Best children activities: The best children’s activities take place in two secure Kids’ Club areas, where capable counselors lead imaginative and educational games for children 3-12.
• Best adult activities: Exotic spa treatments rejuvenate and the Tropical Rain Forest’s sauna and steam suite sooths with penetrating heat and aromatic mists.
• Needs improvement: Because of heavy use, the outdoor dining areas on Deck 9 could use more clean-up, especially near the children’s pool.
• Activities to skip: Skip the "Shopping in Paradise" lecture and meet the presenter in person at the Shore Excursion desk, or wait for the video version on your in-cabin TV.

How to meet the captain
On the first full day of the cruise you can attend a Captain’s reception for an informal meet and greet. The crew also organizes a formal photo opportunity for all guests on another night of the cruise, at which time families can pose for official group portraits with the man who’s usually at the helm. In addition, a scheduled Kid’s Club event gives children the privilege of meeting the captain on their own terms during the day. Disney does not reserve a captain’s table for dinner.

Tip: Check in early on day 1 to reserve shore excursions, spa treatments, and alternative dining, and to begin your vacation several hours before launch.

Rotational seating for dinners means that passengers keep the same tablemates and waiters for the duration of the cruise, while experiencing each of the three main dining rooms in turn. Seated dinners provide another outlet for the Disney crew (universally called “cast members”) to strut their stuff. Chefs and waiters in costume present baked Alaska or bananas flambé with flair, and servers and bus staff often parade through the dining room to Disney music. As on most ships, Disney Magic has both early and late dining times.

Lumières
One of three main dining rooms, Lumières attracts the bulk of passengers for seated dinners and come-as-you-are breakfasts and lunches. Named for the Beauty and the Beast character, the décor includes a large movie mural and glass-encased roses under chandeliers, and uses muted tones of beige and tan to impart a sense of respectability. Subtle banded lighting effects along ceiling beams contribute to a soft ambience. Service is professional, consisting of head waiters and main and assistant servers. The food is always off of a menu, not buffet, and is above average.

Parrot Cay
Another of the three main dining rooms, this hall boasts a Caribbean flavor most noticeable upon entry. Foot traffic approaching the entrance triggers recordings of parrots chirping away, and instantly creates an island frame of mind. Inside, bold tropical colors leap from every corner and table setting, and dinner menu options include entrées done up with tangy marinades leveraged from Caribbean cuisine. Parrot Cay is also a favorite destination for huge breakfast and lunch buffets.

Animator’s Palate
The smaller but no less elaborate of three main dining rooms, this one at first resembles a drab cartoon studio of sorts. As each meal commences, however, the black and white art on the walls begins to morph into full color depictions of familiar Disney cartoon characters. Some frames turn out to be LED screens with content that changes over the course of the meal. It provides quick conversation and easy entertainment for the family, and contributes to the modus operandi of the cruise and crew: Fun and amazement at every possible juncture.

Palo
Located on the uppermost Deck 10, Palo represents the best of the best, with made-to-order gourmet menu selections and servers who act like six-star butlers. Décor is classic deco design in rare woods and refined marble, and large windows show off spectacular ocean views. Tables are for two, four, or six, and patrons can choose to dine alone or with other couples. Service is beyond attentive, personal, and professional, and the Italian-influenced cuisine is mouthwatering. You cannot go wrong with a meal here, so plan on at least one (a $10 charge applies and reservations are required). Alternatively, enjoy the restaurant’s High Tea or Champagne Brunch, also reservation-only. Please note: Palo is an adult-only restaurant.

Topsider
This upper deck restaurant provides convenient breakfast and lunch buffets adjacent to the pool. People on the go move quickly through two identical lines in a cafeteria setting, with plastic trays, soft drink dispensers, and steam tables en masse. A sit-down dinner (with menus, not buffet) offers a flexible alternative to scheduled seatings, with more deluxe food choices in terms of preparation and presentation. Entrées here, as in the main dining rooms, include options such as rack of lamb, seafood stews, vegetarian dishes, and assorted calorie-rich desserts.

Other dining options

• Room service: If following schedules is anathema to the spirit of your cruising vacation, consider room service. Except for some beverages, room service is complimentary, though the selection is not large.
• Snack bar: Several counters near the Deck 9 pools provide such tasty and quick food alternatives as chicken or fish sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, and paninis.
• Scoops: One spot where there’s always a crowd, this counter serves up ice cream, cookies piled high, and fresh tropical fruit.
• Near the Beat Street nightclubs on Deck 3, the ship makes late night snacks available for those with the munchies.

Best dining

• Dish: Try the filet of beef with gorgonzola in wine reduction sauce at Palo. It’s prepared however you like, and if it sounds too rich, the sauce is on the side for safe keeping.
• Dessert: Palo's chocolate soufflé topped with vanilla or chocolate sauce -- the staff is so proud of this beyond decadent masterpiece they’ll practically serve it whether you order it or not.
• Restaurant: Hands down, Deck 10’s Palo is the peak dining experience.

Heard on the deck (after two rich desserts at Palo): “Now we need another nine laps on the Promenade Deck.”

How to…

• Get a table for two: Couples may be seated separately by default depending on table availability. If this is your preference, simply ask at the entrance for a private table.
• Celebrate a birthday/anniversary: If you have not indicated a desire to celebrate special occasions prior to your cruise, ask Guest Services to contact the dining room ahead of time.
• Change seating: To request a change of time or location for your scheduled dinner seatings, call Guest Services or stop by their well-staffed desk.
• Dress for formal night: Most passengers get into the spirit and dress up on formal nights. You’ll see plenty of floor-length dresses and tuxedos, but many more cocktail dresses and dark suits. Suggested formal night attire for little girls: Original princess dresses or costume wardrobe from Belle or Cinderella characters. Tiaras, you bet.
• Dress for casual night: Other nights, resort casual is the norm for dinners at Parrot Cay and Animator’s Palate. Lumière’s and Palo are always a bit dressier. The crew requests no shorts at dinner.

Tips:

• Book Palo reservations as early as possible; it’s a small restaurant that fills up fast. Make your reservation for just before sunset and ask for a table along the picture windows facing that direction. Romance will ensue.
• Children receive kids’ menus as a default option, but if their palate is more sophisticated than chicken fingers and spaghetti night after night, they can always order from the main menu.
• Main theater shows have two seatings: A late show for early diners, and an early show for late diners. For those with young children, early dinners may be best, but at the expense of missing the late show.
• Provide your own wine with dinner for a $15 corking fee, or invest in the Wine Package for discounted wine throughout the cruise. Unfinished bottles are saved for your next dinner.
• Enjoy the legendary chocolate chip cookies at the lunch buffets. Sign up for the Galley Tour and sample them right out of the oven.

All cabins are impeccably clean and cozy with twin or queen-size beds. Most cabins include a sitting area with sofa that can convert to a single bed, while another single bed drops from the ceiling. Storage includes a vertical steamer-trunk cabinet, dresser, and closet large enough for suits, dresses, shirts, and blouses. Each cabin has a small refrigerator and TV. Most cabins employ a half bath and separate room for another sink and shower/tub, all tastefully and luxuriously appointed. Glass shelving, decorative tile walls and floors, faux granite counters, and deluxe hardware make the en suite experience a pleasure. Balconies allow barely enough room for two in comfortable chairs.

Cabins for guests with disabilities
Passengers with disabilities have priority in reserving special access cabins and suites, including those with extra-large balconies that can accommodate wheelchairs. Ramped bathroom thresholds and convenient emergency call buttons provide more comfort security.

Tips:

• Unless the ship is sailing at full capacity, ask for reduced cost upgrades at check-in. If this is the plan, be sure to arrive early on embarkation day since it’s first come, first served.
• Room stewards clean rooms all day at all times, and are not intrusive. If you have special needs, simply ask one of the uniformed crew in the hallway.
• Book a balcony cabin and receive your own personal mini-deck with fresh sea air; private, romantic sunsets; and intimate views of moonlight reflections on the sea.

Although it’s a large ship, few facilities are more than a short walk away. The Oceaneers Club and Oceaneers Lab are two rooms dedicated to supervised children's activities. Hordes flock to Deck 9 for poolside revelry, outdoor bars, quick food, and sunshine. On quieter Deck 10 sunbathers line up along the railings. Indoors, Deck 4 provides comfy lounge chairs overlooking the atrium, while the Promenade Deck outside offers cushioned recliners and a wide wraparound deck for jogging or strolling. The Buena Vista movie theater seats 268 in plush comfort, and shows classic and first run Disney films daily. Head for the Deck 3 shopping arcade for Disney merchandise and duty-free goods at designated times.

Bars and lounges
Drink in style at Sessions for a grownup experience and top-shelf cocktails; it’s a throwback to the days of classic cruising, and the darkened, art deco interior makes you the star of your own film noir. Rockin’ Bar D and Studio Sea cook up themed events to keep adults and children on their feet, where talent contests, retro rock music, and other programming amuses all comers. After 9 PM, they’re open for those over 18 only. Three other bars refuse entry to those under 18 (21 in the case of Sessions): Cove Café, Signals, and Diversions, all providing respite from the sounds of hundreds of children in glorious play mode. The Promenade Lounge, near the atrium, is another relaxed and comfortable place for reflection. Please note: Disney Cruise Line has no casinos on either of its ships.

Swimming pools
Festive recorded music and live reggae or hip hop bands compete with hoots and hollers from the children's only Mickey's Pool, a shallow Mickey Mouse-shaped pool enhanced by a long deck-high waterslide. One of the mouse ears forms a smaller tub strictly for water-diapered tykes. Free soft drinks, sandwiches, and convenient snack food is available steps away. Outside bar drinks look colorful but pack little punch. Quiet Cove, the adult-only pool and hot tub, is noticeably absent of noise and revelry. Goofy's Pool welcomes adults and children both. Signs prohibit reserving deck chairs, but it’s hardly enforced. Find fresh towels in wooden bins, so no need to rob your cabin’s allotment.

Shows
Prepare to be enchanted by the Disney-themed productions. Professional critics might nitpick, but fans will glory in the celebration of all their favorite heroes, princesses, and villains. The Golden Mickeys captures the magic of fantasy, pulling at heartstrings the whole way through a review of popular film characters. It includes mock red carpet celebrity interviews with passengers’ kids outside the Walt Disney Theatre. Disney Dreams captures the power of sticking to your ideals and wishing upon a star, with a glorious pixie dust finale. Rhythm Extreme is a bit disappointing, a warmed-over Stomp! in which the performers seem to be more talented than the production lets on.

Shore excursions
It’s possible to book shore excursions before the cruise, but visiting the Shore Excursions desk on day one to check for updates or cancellations makes good sense. Space is limited for virtually every excursion, so it pays to get in line early. There are no last-minute discounts. Age requirements are strict; with the exception of island drives and some beach visits, nearly every excursion excludes children younger than 5 years of age. The crew handles crowd control and ground transfers with aplomb and efficiency, and those departing the ship for early tours receive priority disembarkation.

Weddings and vow renewals
The days of a ship’s captain presiding over weddings at sea are long gone for the most part. But that has not hindered weddings and vow renewals from taking place in romantic settings. Disney Cruise Line employs a dedicated wedding consultant to help arrange such cherished rituals, and packages often include a solo musician, wedding cake, $100 shipboard credit, special gift, dinner for two at Palo, and a note from the Captain. One of the ship’s senior officers usually officiates.

Heard on the deck: “I don’t worry about doing everything onboard during the cruise. I know I’ll get around to it next time.”

Looking for…

• Quietest spot: The smallish Cove Café specializes in coffee drinks, alcoholic beverages, and blasting air conditioning. Minors are disallowed, and kids rarely stumble through its outside smoking area.
• Liveliest spot: Mickey's Pool is where the sounds of children at play reach unimaginable decibel levels while parents lounge, soaking in the party atmosphere.
• Most popular spot: Mickey's Pool -- since children under 12 typically count for about a third of all passengers, Mickey's Pool ranks for popularity.
• Best view: Stand in solemnity and solitude at the Deck 7 aft overlook and see where you’ve been as the ship’s wide and endless wake recedes toward the horizon.
• Best show: Golden Mickeys is a cross between the Grammys and the Academy Awards, presented for children. Watch on the Big Screen as a glamorous hostess interviews captivated children still on the way inside. It’s over the top in the best possible way.
• Best drink: The complimentary rum punch handed out as you first set foot onboard seems to have more flavor and delivery than the technicolor concoctions you’ll see as specials of the day.

Tips:

• Do not miss the Deck 9 kick-off party. Live dance music is loud and fast, but nothing compares to seeing Disney characters on stage shaking their aft quarters to the beat.
• All Walt Disney Theatre shows occur twice in order to accommodate the two dinner seatings. Choose whichever time suits you -- they are identical.
• No need to rush into the theater for a good seat. All have excellent sight lines, and the house is large enough for half the ship’s capacity.
• Public announcements alert passengers to the dispensing of complimentary soft drinks and tropical cocktails in plastic cups. You’ll notice the lines forming on deck.
• May is traditionally the densest month for wedding cruises. Consider another time when competition wanes, such as late summer.
• Reserve a bridge tour and bring the kids to find out how cruise ships work. Space fills early, and tours operate during port calls only.
• Before your cruise, contact tourism boards for information on the islands you’ll be visiting. Once ashore, ask a pier taxi dispatcher about island tours or roundtrips to the beach. They should cost only a few dollars per person.

Spa and salon
Disney Magic's Vista Spa is consistently rated one of the best at sea. It offers a range of massages and skin treatments, many with a sea theme using seaweed, algae, and warm stones. Pamper your hair and nails with the international stylists in the attached salon. For blissful invigoration and renewal, the “Exotic Lime & Ginger Salt Glow” does the trick, as it includes aromatherapy, exfoliation, and massage. The staff’s low-key pitch of what’s for sale comes and goes quickly. Costs range from $15 for all-day use of the “Rainforest Room” sauna/steam suite to $237 for the Absolute Spa Ritual. The spa staff also offers cabana massages on the beach at Castaway Cay.

Fitness areas
Second, third, or more helpings on dessert? No problem. Vista Spa Fitness Center opens for guests 18 and over at 6:30 AM, staying open until 8 PM throughout the cruise. You’ll find an excellent assortment of popular machines such as treadmills and elliptical trainers. Many classes are complimentary, including yoga, Pilates, fit ball, and kickboxing. At $75/hour, personal training sounds steep, but spa staff offer informal workout assistance any time. In addition, the spa offers diet consultation and body composition analysis. Best fringe benefit: Windows in the fitness room peer down into the ship’s bridge.

Tips:

• Book your spa times as early as possible on embarkation day. Head straight to the appointment desk inside the salon area.
• Arrive early to your spa appointment and spend your waiting time using the locker-room sauna.
• Don’t despair if the fitness class you desire is already full. According to the spa staff, waitlisted guests have a good chance of getting a spot, especially in the second half of the cruise.

You don’t have to be a kid to shop at “Mickey’s Mates,” one of two onboard shops near the Walt Disney Theatre. Disney character toys and collectibles fill the shop, many exclusive to the cruise line, including a plush “Captain Mickey.” Across the way, Treasure Ketch offers a small, sophisticated selection of cruisewear, jewelry, and gifts, plus an assortment of drugstore items. Purchase the ultimate souvenir of shipboard photographs from Shutters (photo packages are available).

Tips:

• Definitely shop onboard. Prices are comparable to onshore Disney shops, but much of the merchandise is exclusive.
• Look for daily specials, often advertised on signs in the elevators, at the duty-free shop. (The crew delivers duty-free purchases of alcohol at the end of the cruise.)
• For a truly unique souvenir, check out daily silent auction items displayed in the shopping area. Animation celluloids and other treasures frequently appear.

Counselors in two kids’ facilities -- Oceaneers Club and Oceaneers Lab -- lead activities for children 4-12. Small groups are broken out by age, and the ship publishes a handy newsletter listing times and locations to help parents and kids decide when to take advantage of the complimentary programs. Choose from sports games, character meetings, free computer time, G-rated films, dance classes, arts and crafts, and more. An emphasis on safety and security means that gates are locked and passwords are required to drop off and pick up your children. Parents are issued a pager in case of emergency or the rare event that a child wants to leave the party. Dinner times are the most crowded, but that’s no problem with plenty of counselors available at all times.

At the Stack, kids too old for Oceaneer facilities find an exclusive haven inside the decoy aft smoke stack, enticed by videos, soft drinks, coffee, and best of all, no parents. QuarterMasters is a well-stocked arcade for those who miss the bleeps, buzzes, and bright lights of their favorite pastime. No quarters needed -- pre-purchased cards add all charges quickly and invisibly to parents’ bills.

Tips:

• Avoid the hassle of waiting in long lines for shipwide character encounters by checking the newsletter for similar appearances in the two children’s centers.
• If your child wants character autographs, you can drop off an autograph book at Guest Services to have Cinderella and friends sign behind the scenes.
• Many kids enjoy pin trading. For the uninitiated, pins are enamel representations of the various Disney characters, with an amazing variety available. Check the daily schedule for locations of the pin-trading cart.
• Tropical Reef nursery, separate from the camp activities described above, charges babysitting fees of $6/hour for children 3 and under.
• If you want to dine with your children at your regular seating, be sure to pick them up before the scheduled kids club dining times. They’re often as early as 5:30 PM.
• Some children used to variety and sophistication will tire of Oceaneer dinners at Topsiders and Animator’s Palate. Offer them alternatives, especially if your seating is the earlier one.
• Keep tabs on where your kids are so you’ll know where on the ship to find them in case you have a better idea of what you can do together.

Heard on the deck (mother standing in line for her daughter’s photo op with Cinderella): “We’ve been chasing characters all week. Next time, let’s travel as newlyweds.”

Click to view a virtual tour

Disney Magic (and her nearly identical sister ship, Disney Wonder) plies the turquoise waters of the Eastern and Western Caribbean islands throughout the year. While in the Caribbean, all Disney ships visit Castaway Cay, Disney’s private Bahamian paradise. There, abundant surf, sand, and activities dominate the landscape; some cruises even make two stops.

In May 2005, Disney Magic celebrates Disneyland’s 50th anniversary with an epic 14-night cruise to Los Angeles through the Panama Canal, repositioning the ship for Mexican Riviera cruises all summer.

Heard on the deck: “This is my third 7-day Disney cruise this month!”

• Cruise line - Disney
• Ship name - Disney Magic
• Type of cruise - Contemporary/Casual
• Ship length - 877
• Private balcony cabins - 384
• Decks - 11
• Passenger capacity - 1754
• Total crew - 950
• Officers nationality - International
• Ship size - Large
• Year entered service - 1999
• Tonnage - 83000
• Registry - Bahamas