Disney Magic REVIEW- Guide to Disney Cruise Line’s First Ship!

The Disney Magic is the original Disney Cruise Line ship! This was the first Disney Cruise Line ship in the fleet and just recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. The Disney Magic features broadway style entertainment, a Tangled inspired restaurant, spacious staterooms and more.

Keep reading to learn more about the Disney Magic including the layout of the staterooms, pricing, fine dining plus a Tangled live show. I recently went on the Disney Magic and my overview of the ship plus my review will help you decide if this is the Disney Cruise Line ship you should pick for your Disney Cruise Line adventure.

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Disney Magic Cruise Review

Disney Magic lobby

Disney Magic is the original Disney Cruise Line ship that first set sail in 1996. It is one of the smallest out of the Disney Cruise Line ships which comes with its own pros and cons.

Disney Cruise ship

The benefits of a small cruise ship is how easy it is to navigate which makes the entire experience more seamless. Just because the Disney Magic is the oldest ship doesn't mean it's outdated either! The entire cruise ship has undergone a refurbishment which introduced refreshed lounge spaces and dining options.

Walt Disney magic stateroom

The Disney Magic staterooms were decked out with classic photographs and artwork that remind guests of the Disney legacy. This was a nice touch and one that falls in line with the history of this original Disney Cruise Line ship.

Disney Magic pool area

The last cruise I experienced before going on the Disney Magic was the Disney Dream which is one of the newest cruise ships and far larger than the Disney Magic. When comparing these two ships, you will notice a size difference but I never felt like I was lacking for dining or entertainment options.

Disney Cruise dessert

In many ways, the smaller size was a great benefit as it made it easy to get around the ship. You may be surprised at how large these cruise ships can be and how easy it is to get lost on them!

Disney magic statue

I really enjoyed the Disney Magic but especially to see the original ship in the fleet and enjoy the offerings it has to offer which include the Tangled theme restaurant and theater show!

Disney Magic Standard Inside Stateroom

Standard stateroom Disney Magic

Disney's standard staterooms typically include more space than you'd fit in same-class rooms on other cruise ships. 

Specifications

  • Sleeps: 3 to 4
  • Size: 184 sq. ft.
  • Room Configuration: queen bed, single sleeper sofa and upper-berth pull-down bed (if sleeping 4)
  • View: no exterior view

Deluxe Inside Stateroom

You'll get a bit more space by upgrading to the deluxe inside stateroom.

Specifications

  • Sleeps: 3 to 4
  • Size: 214 sq. ft.
  • Room Configuration: queen bed, single sleeper sofa, upper berth pull-down bed (if sleeping 4)
  • View: no exterior view in most, some offering obstructed view

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom

The same square footage as a Deluxe Inside Stateroom, this room type includes porthole vistas with each room including 1 or 2 depending on location.

Specifications

  • Sleeps: 3 to 4
  • Size: 214 sq. ft.
  • Room Configuration: queen bed, single sleeper sofa and upper berth pull-down bed (if sleeping 4)
  • View: One large porthole window or 2 small porthole windows (in Category 9D staterooms)

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

Disney magic stateroom

This room features generous square footage plus a private verandah to enjoy ocean views.

Disney Magic stateroom

Specifications

  • Sleeps: 3 to 4
  • Size: 268 sq. ft., including verandah
  • Room Configuration: queen bed, single sleeper sofa and upper berth pull-down bed (if sleeping 4)
  • View: private verandah

Disney Cruise stateroom

There is closet space in this stateroom along with a few small dressers alongside the walls.

disney cruise bathroom

Disney Cruise Line also features the split bathroom design.

disney cruise bathroom

This is a great feature so families can get ready at the same time.

Disney Cruise bunk beds

This room felt spacious and we were able to even fit three adults in here plus one teenager. The couch in the room turns into a bed and then a bunk bed comes down from the ceiling.

Disney Cruise balcony

The verandah is also a good size with two chairs and a small table. If you are traveling with a group of four, the verandah room is a perfect fit. It worked great for us!

Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

Disney Magic room with a view

This room gives you even more space on the interior room plus the verandah. 

Specifications

  • Sleeps: 5
  • Size: 304 sq. ft., including verandah
  • Room Configuration: queen bed, single sleeper sofa, wall pull-down bed and upper berth pull-down bed
  • View: private verandah

Design

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah design features include:

  • A sitting area with a couch, TV and desk
  • A heavy privacy curtain to separate the sitting and sleeping areas
  • A “split bath”: a bathroom with a vanity, sink, shower and tub and a half bathroom with a vanity, sink and toilet (in all but accessible staterooms)
  • Elevated wooden bed frames for under-bed storage of suitcases and other large items
  • Attractive yet functional cabinetry in the living area

Verandah

Your private balcony comes equipped with:

  • Patio furniture
  • Deck lighting
  • Plexiglass or solid whitewall railings (in Category 4E staterooms)
  • Childproof locks

Concierge Suites Disney Magic

Concierge suite Disney Magic

The Disney Magic also offers a variety of concierge suites including:

  • Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

  • Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Veranda

  • Concierge 2-Bedroom Suite with Verandah

  • Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah

Upgraded Amenities

  • Down Duvets: Enjoy a superlative night’s sleep with the softness of genuine feather duvets, featured in Concierge main bedrooms.
  • Guests of our Concierge Suites may choose from pillow options including hypoallergenic, feather and therapeutic memory foam.
  • Personal Robe and Slippers: These plush comforts are yours to use for the duration of your cruise.
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi Internet Service (up to 100mb). Usage fees apply after 100mb.

Your private balcony comes equipped with:

  • Patio furniture
  • Deck lighting
  • Plexiglas or solid whitewall railings
  • Childproof locks

The benefits of signature Concierge service begin with priority check-in and boarding at a dedicated check-in station. The onboard Concierge team will meet you at a private welcome reception—exclusive to Concierge Guests—and will be available to attend to your needs, questions and special requests. Enjoy assistance with:

  • Reservations (Port Adventures, Palo dining, spa treatments and nursery stays)
  • In-suite dining from our concierge in-suite dining menu.
  • Dining reservation confirmations and changes
  • Priority tendering in ports of call
  • Updates to your personal itinerary
  • Special occasions and celebration planning

Enjoy exclusive access to dedicated areas on the ship, including the Concierge Lounge. Located amid the Concierge Suites on Deck 10.

From the Lounge, Concierge Guests can access a sun deck via a private entrance.

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Disney Magic Entertainment

Tangled Disney Magic

There is a variety of entertainment on the Disney Magic from breathtaking Broadway quality musicals to fireworks to characters around every corner.

tangled show disney magic

Live Shows

You can watch nightly shows with Broadway style production quality inside the Walt Disney Theater. These stage shows are part of what makes Disney Cruises so magical!

The biggest hit out of all the shows is Tangled: The Musical as guests are transported into Rapunzel's fairytale world with all the favorite moments from this beloved film coming to life on stage.

Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story revisits Disney's classic princess tales and is a must for all princess fans.

Journey with Anne Marie as she learns how to believe in herself featuring classic songs from Disney films such as Peter Pan, Pinocchio, Cinderella and Aladdin in Disney Dreams- An Enchanted Classic.

Disney Magic Cruise Goofy

Character Meet and Greets

You will see have ample opportunities for character meet and greets on the ship including Mickey, Minnie, Cinderella, Captain Hook and more at designated areas.

Disney Magic Theater

Disney Movie Showings

Experience the newest Disney movies in the Buena Vista Theatre which is modeled after Hollywood's Golden Age in the style of a luxurious movie palace. You can also catch a Disney movie outside under the stars!

Fireworks on the Disney Magic

Guests can experience Disney fireworks on most itineraries with a special show of color light and song at sea.

Disney Magic Recreation

Disney magic pool deck

There are a wide variety of recreation on the Disney Magic for all ages. Plus options for kids to enjoy so parents can go enjoy the adult exclusive options.

Disney Cruise line pool

Pools

The Disney Magic features a variety of pools including:

  • Goofy’s Pool- the main pool featuring a large family pool and two whirlpool spas
  • AquaLab and Dory's Reef- this child focused pool area includes the double-looping Twist ‘n’ Spout slide
  • Quiet Cove Pool- adult exclusive pool
  • AquaDunk-the drop-out waterslide located high atop the Forward Funnel is one of the most exciting features.

Disney Cruise Line youth club

Youth Clubs

  • Disney’s Oceaneer Club- children can learn and play in larger-than-life spaces fueled by Disney storytelling.
  • Edge—Tween focuses featuring plenty of available video games, music and movies.
  • Vibe- This youth club is geared for teens and is open until 2AM with karaoke and dance parties.

Disney Soul lounge

Adult Exclusive Spaces

Adult exclusive spaces on the Disney Magic include:

Disney Cruise Line spa

Disney Soul Lounge

Plus you can enjoy a variety of lounges around the Disney Magic to relax in. These lounges are geared for adults but children are welcome too in many of them.

Cruise fitness room

Sports and Fitness

The Disney Magic features a full-service fitness center with weight machines and instructional fitness classes.

Disney Magic Dining

Disney Magic entertainment Tangled show
There are a variety of casual and fine dining on the Disney Magic along with special themed dining experiences. You don't want to miss the themed dining experiences as these are often unique to each cruise ship! On the Disney Magic this includes:

Rapunzel's Royal TableRapunzel Royal Table characters

This is the hit dining experience on the Disney Magic. This is a full out dining experience, not just a place to enjoy a meal. As you enjoy a full course dinner of a “Regal Banquet” you will watch a celebration of Rapunzel's birthday and her anniversary of her return home. The restaurant is themed to be the royal ballroom from the Tangled film filled with glowing wish lanterns and Rapunzel's drawings.
Entertainment will continue all through dinner with singing and dancing including appearances by Flynn Rider, Snuggly Duckling Thugs and Princess Rapunzel. Guests are invited to partake in the festivities, including a parade to end the night. If you're a Rapunzel fan, you cannot miss this!

Animator's PalateDisney Magic dining

Be drawn into a “state of the art” dinner show in this dining experience that celebrates Disney animation.

Animators Palace

As you dine the colors in the restaurant will change from black and white to glowing color featuring some of the most famous Disney animated films.

Tangled disney magic

This was such a cool part of the dinner experience and was a beautiful restaurant, one of our favorites!

Lumiere'sbeauty and beast dining

American and French fare in a Beauty & the Beast themed setting. The entire restaurant is themed after the ballroom from the film with a beautiful mural depicting the ballroom sequence.

Casual Dining ExperiencesDisney Magic daisy diner

  • Cabanas- fresh food food on the boardwalk for breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Duck-In Diner- burgers, hot dogs
  • Eye Scream- icecream and smoothies
  • Pinocchio's Pizza- pizza

Plus your room includes convenient, 24- hour dining.

Disney coffee area

Adult exclusive dining experiences include:

  • Palo- Northern Italian delicacies with a modern twist with live music and ocean views

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About Lindsay Brookshier

Lindsay has been called on as a Disney expert and has been featured by CNBC, SFGate, NerdWallet, Visit Anaheim, and more. She has been writing about the Disney Parks and Universal since 2017. Lindsay visits Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Universal Orlando multiple times a year. She has sailed on every Disney Cruise Line class ship and has experience visiting both of Disney's private islands along with specialty themed cruises like Marvel Day at Sea. Lindsay provides expert advice for the Disney Parks, Disney Cruises, Universal Theme Parks, and more. As the content director of Mickey Visit she oversees article content and leads our fantastic team of writers to provide news updates, reviews, and money saving tips for guests to experience more and save more money. Lindsay comes from a dedicated Disney family and has been visiting Disneyland since the 1990s.

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