Disney Magic

Theater

There are two theaters on Disney Magic -- one reserved for the ship's magical production shows and the other for Disney movies, which are played multiple times throughout the cruise.

On Deck 4 forward, the Walt Disney Theatre hosts the ship's lineup of Broadway-caliber shows -- most notably, "Tangled: The Musical," which portrays the fairytale-turned-Disney animated movie story of Rapunzel and her path to discovering she's a missing princess, alongside character favorites Flynn Rider and Maximus.

The remaining two shows -- "Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story" and "Disney Dreams, An Enchanted Classic" -- are equally impressive. The former is a continuation of the story of Cinderella, picking up from where the movie ended. The latter incorporates characters from a handful of Disney movies. Favorites from "Peter Pan," "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin," "The Little Mermaid" and "The Lion King" come together to teach a young girl the power of her dreams.

In addition to production shows, the Walt Disney Theatre hosts special events, such as magic shows, and occasional Disney movies. All main events take place twice per night (7 and 9 p.m.).

All shows contain jaw-dropping talent, backdrops, costumes and special effects, such as bubbles and lanterns "floating" above the seats during "Tangled." The theater itself boasts a classic style, with red carpet-lined walkways and plush seating with cupholders on every arm.

The Buena Vista Theatre is adjacent to the kids' clubs, on Deck 5 midship. It's dedicated to streaming movies throughout the day (many in 3D). Movies might include "Black Panther," "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" or "A Wrinkle in Time." On Marvel at Sea Days, the theater is all Avengers, all the time. One perk of being on a Disney ship is that whenever a Disney-owned movie production company has a theatrical release, Disney Magic passengers get to see it at the same time. Check your Personal Navigator for exact times.

Daily Fun

It's pretty much impossible to not pass by a character at some point on your cruise -- whether it's Belle from "Beauty and the Beast" taking pictures with little princesses, Captain America high-fiving a superhero in the making or Captain Hook surreptitiously roaming the ship, surprising kiddos around every corner.

Character meet-and-greets take place at all hours of the day, in the atrium and in an open space by Preludes.

Enrichment activities vary by itinerary, but might include regional wine tastings, a pastry-making or dinner party-planning class and an educational seminar on the history of ocean travel, hosted by bridge officers.

Other activities such as trivia, bingo, crafts and themed family competitions also are held in various lounges, throughout the day and at night. An arcade on Deck 9 is open from 8 a.m. until midnight. Passengers can purchase a play card at the front desk and recharge it by purchasing more when their credits run out.

Note: There's no casino on any Disney Cruise Line ship.

At Night

Evening activities are structured in a way that's considerate of families' needs and routines. Theater productions are held twice a night, so parents can choose to attend before or after dinner, depending on their kids' bedtimes.

Parents even have their own space -- After Hours -- a cluster of themed bars that heat up with activities (adult-themed trivia, magic shows and couples' games) after 8 p.m. For mom and dad to take advantage of a night out, the kids' clubs are open till around midnight.

A highlight of every cruise, for both kids and adults, is The Pirates in the Caribbean Party -- a nighttime affair for which some passengers begin donning hats and pirate garb as early as breakfast. Some go all-out, dressing up in full costumes they brought with them. For everyone else, Disney provides "Pirates of the Caribbean" bandanas to all passengers the night before and shops sell themed attire for those with FOMO (fear of missing out).

Other, smaller deck parties also are held on the Funnel Vision stage, and movies are streamed under the stars on Funnel Vision, the ship's outdoor screen.

Disney Magic Bars and Lounges

Promenade Lounge (Deck 3, midship): It's hard to miss the Promenade Lounge, an open space with a bar, small stage and plenty of seating, nestled in between Lumiere's and Rapunzel's Royal Table. Like most public areas on the ship, this venue boasts an Art Deco design, with navy blues, light woods and black-and-white checkered chairs. Live music takes the stage before and after dinner. Other daytime activities include games such as a Wii challenge and charades, origami-making crafts and Disney tunes trivia.

O'Gills Pub (Deck 3, forward): Disney Magic's twist on an Irish pub is one of the most popular hangout spots for adults (located in the After Hours section) onboard. Decked out in dark woods, Kelly-green accents and leather booths and barstools, O'Gills Pub sets the mood for casual drinks and activities, day and night. The menu includes a small selection of beer (we expected more variety from a pub), cocktails, wine, scotch, single malt and Irish whiskey -- with unique options like the Royal Velvet (Guinness Stout and sparkling wine, which we surprisingly loved) and a "Blarney Stone" tasting, which includes O'Gills' own Irish cream, Kilbeggan Irish whiskey and Irish coffee. During the day, O'Gills hosts live Irish music, trivia (mostly music by the decade) and other games such as a Jenga challenge.

Complimentary small bites, such as raw veggies with dip, nachos and cheese and Buffalo wings, are available throughout the day; late-night snacks are served between 11 p.m. and midnight.

Fathoms (Deck 3, forward): Although Fathoms (open 7:15 p.m. to 2 a.m.) -- found in the adults-only After Hours area -- is labeled as a nightclub, it's more often used for activities such as couples' challenges (Match Your Mate) and music video dance parties. A DJ comes on every night, but you'll seldom see a hopping crowd -- unless it's the night before a sea day. A full bar is located at one end of the venue. The space itself is fun and trendy, boasting an underwater theme with jellyfish-like lighting fixtures and intimate seating nooks along the wall.

Keys (Deck 3, forward): Those looking for a more low-key night should head to Keys, the ship's dedicated piano bar. Open from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., the adults-only After Hours hangout has a bar and is best known for its musical tribute nights honoring legends like Billy Joel, the Beatles and Nat King Cole.

D Lounge (Deck 4, midship): This fun-for-all lounge is a hub for entertainment -- thanks to its central location on Deck 4, just above the atrium, where passengers participate in game shows, exhibitions and other family-friendly activities. Highlights include family karaoke, a "Who Wants to Be a Mouseketeer" game show and various crafts and towel-folding classes. The D Lounge doesn't have set hours, so check your Personal Navigator for activity times.

Signals (Deck 9, forward): This outdoor bar is located in the adults-only Quiet Cove area and offers beer and cocktails poolside. Revamped in 2018, it's now more of an outdoor lounge than a bar, with comfy seating. Servers make the rounds taking orders from loungers on the sun deck and in the hot tubs from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Cove Cafe (Deck 9, forward): This Quiet Cove venue is popular during the day for its specialty coffees, but it also has a full bar with assorted cognac, scotch, single malt, martini and wine (glass or bottle) options a la carte. Coffees -- such as cappuccino, espresso and a variety of flavored lattes and frappuccinos -- as well as a wide selection of teas also carry a fee. Coffees range from $2.50 for an espresso or macchiato to $7.50 for a Scandinavian coffee made with Baileys Irish cream. Teas costs $5 each. Cove Cafe is open 7 a.m. to midnight.

Frozone Treats (Deck 9, midship): Next door to Eye Scream Treats, Frozone Treats sells smoothies for a minimal fee. Drinks include Berrilicious Mirage (raspberry yogurt with raspberries, blueberries and blackberries), the Gazerbeam (pineapple, mango, vanilla yogurt, lychee, ginger and lemon grass) and the Mode Chai (vanilla soy milk, peaches and blueberries). Prices range from $3.95 to $5.25. A small selection of bottled and draft beer also is on offer. The hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Pinocchio's Pizzeria (Deck 9, midship): Disney Magic's pizza joint also happens to include a bar, for those who don't want to stray too far from Goofy's Pool. It's open from 10 a.m. to midnight.

Concierge Lounge (Deck 10, forward): Overlooking the Quiet Cove, the Concierge Lounge is a small space exclusive to passengers who booked a Concierge package. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., the lounge is overseen by a concierge host who assists passengers with making reservations, as well as other perks. Unlimited refreshments and complimentary drinks are available throughout the day; there's also an outdoor deck space, albeit it only has tables and chairs -- no loungers for sunbathing.

Disney Magic Outside Recreation

Pools

Disney Magic's three swimming pools -- all freshwater and heated -- are located on Deck 9, each with a different theme or purpose. (Kids must be toilet-trained to enter any pool.) To help keep kids safe, Disney Cruise Line provides lifeguards and life vests in a variety of sizes at all family pools.

Goofy's Pool (4 feet deep all around) is a family favorite, thanks to its location on Deck 9 midship, right by the stage and Funnel Vision TV. The pool is complemented by two whirlpools and a plethora of deck space and is only steps away from the pizzeria and ice cream stop. Throughout the day, Disney classics and new releases -- ranging from "Cinderella" to "Frozen" -- are played on the big screen.

At night, Goofy's Pool area hosts movies and deck parties, including the line's much-loved "Pirates of the Caribbean Party" -- complete with a character music and dance party, and fireworks show (weather permitting). A second pool is located in the kids-only AquaLab and is essentially a water jungle gym, with a slide and other play areas.

Quiet Cove, all the way forward by the ship's spa, is a peaceful adults-only area with a pool and two whirlpools and an upper deck with additional lounge space (seating surrounding the pool is limited). The space is open to passengers 18 years and over, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.; its late hours and positioning toward the front of the ship make for good star-gazing opportunities.

Recreation

For adults and kids looking for an adrenaline rush, the AquaDunk -- a straight-drop slide version of the AquaDuck found on Dream and Fantasy -- is a must. Walk up the forward funnel (accessible from Deck 10 midship), step inside a capsule and count down until the floor opens up beneath your feet. Passengers both young and old loved it, while others asked themselves, "What the heck was I thinking?" Note: Kids must be more than 48 inches tall to ride.

AquaLab, on Deck 10 aft, is a kids-only water play area designed to portray a water experiment, with pop jets, geysers, bubblers and a freshwater pool. The area also includes the Twist 'n' Spout Slide -- an exciting way for little daredevils to cool off -- and the Nephews' Splash Zone, a water playground that's safe for youngsters under 3 years, who aren't toilet-trained and must wear swim diapers.

All the way forward on Deck 10, the Wide World of Sports features basketball and volleyball courts, soccer nets, Ping-Pong and shuffleboard. It's open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sun Decks

Lounging space surrounds all three pools on Disney Magic, though the only sun deck designed for an escape from all the outdoor activity is in the Quiet Cove (which has padded deck chairs as opposed to the plastic ones found by the other pools.

Additional deck chairs can be found all along Deck 10 -- a handful are located under shaded canopies, overlooking the Quiet Cove.

Disney Magic Services

Disney Magic's Guest Services and Port Adventures desks both can be found on Deck 3, just outside the atrium. The line's shore excursions offer a variety of experiences, many of which include a family-friendly option with activities geared toward kids and an adults-only choice. Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries include visits to Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, with areas especially designated for families, teens and adults.

There are four shops onboard -- two on Deck 4 midship (Mickey's Mainsail and White Caps), one on Deck 4 midship near Shutters photo gallery (Crown Jewelry) and one (Sea Treasures) on Deck 3, right by the adults-only After Hours enclave. Mickey's Mainsail sells postcards and Disney memorabilia. White Caps has a variety of logo apparel, jewelry and watches, while Sea Treasures offers duty-free perfumes and liquor. On Marvel sailings, this area is transformed into a venue for Avengers-themed gear. Crown Jewelry sells upscale watches and jewelry.

Note: Any liquor purchased in one of the ship's duty-free shops will be held for you until the end of the cruise.

The most popular splurge, however -- at least among the little ones -- is the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, a salon/shop on Deck 10, forward. For a whopping $194.95 fee, girls receive the ultimate princess makeover -- complete with hairstyling, makeup, nail polish, a Disney Princess dress, a crown, wand, sash and tote. More wallet-friendly options include a mini-makeover for girls (sans dress, wand and crown) for $59.95; for boys, there's a superhero look that includes hair gel, Mickey hair confetti, a sword and shield ($18.95) and one step up, hairstyling plus a costume of choice ($34.95). Shoes for girls and boys cost an additional $29.95.

The internet cafe is located adjacent to the Promenade Lounge, with 10 computer stations for getting online. Wireless internet access is available throughout the ship, including cabins. We found the connection to be fairly good, at different times in the day. Internet packages are based on megabytes, and you'd be surprised at how quickly you blow through data. Pay-as-you-go is the cheapest option (if you don't plan to use Wi-Fi often), at $0.25 per MB. The remaining packages are as follows: $19 for 100 MB, $39 for 300 MB and $89 for 1,000 MB.

Self-service launderettes are located on Decks 2, 6 and 7, and are open 24 hours a day. Each has an ironing board and iron, washers, dryers and automated machines selling laundry detergent and dryer sheets. Hint: A limited supply of laundry detergent is available for free on embarkation day, but it runs out quickly. For those who wish to have their clothes washed for them, laundry and dry cleaning services are available for an additional charge.

A small art collection, which sells paintings mainly featuring Disney characters, can be found in the Vista Gallery, along a corridor on Deck 4, midship. Unlike other cruise lines, Disney does not hold art auctions.

Photos are a big part of a Disney cruise, and the Shutters photo gallery (Deck 4, aft) was refurbished in 2018 to give passengers more space to browse the photos taken by professional photographers throughout their cruise, create albums on kiosks (available for print) and purchase cameras. It's open from 7 to 11 p.m. A private studio for family portraits was also added in 2018.

Disney Magic's medical center is located on Deck 1, forward.

Smoking is allowed only outdoors on Deck 4 (starboard) from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., as well as on Decks 9 and 10 (starboard), with the exception of the Goofy Pool area.

The genius who devised the unique dining scheme on Disney ships should win an award for creativity on the seas. Although we enjoy traditional set-seating dining, it's rare that we actually show up in the dining room every night on a seven-night cruise, often choosing room service or the casual buffet at least once.

Disney's rotational dining program makes it fun and exciting to go to dinner. Here's how it works: You eat every night at the same time, with the same dining companions and servers, but show up at a different main restaurant each night. There are three main restaurants on Disney Magic -- Animator's Palate, Lumiere's and Rapunzel's Royal Table -- and every cruiser gets to dine in each of them at least once (twice on weeklong cruises).

Dining times are set at 5:45 and 8:15 p.m. As always on family-friendly cruise ships, the earlier dining times cater to families with young kids, so plan accordingly. The actual rotation you are assigned makes little difference in the overall dining experience, except that you might dine in the first dining room on your rotation more than others, depending on the number of nights in your cruise. Preferred rotations can be requested at time of booking, but they're not guaranteed.

We experienced firsthand the benefits of having the same wait staff each night, as one of our tablemates with a wheat allergy was presented each night with her very own basket of gluten-free bread upon sitting down. Additionally, we witnessed endearing bonds between families and their servers, who played games and made napkin hats for the little ones.

All menus in the main dining rooms are divided into sections: specialty cocktails, appetizers, soups and salads, a bread selection, main course, vegetarian and lighter note offerings. Gluten-free, vegetarian and dairy-free dishes are noted on each menu. A plus for gluten-free eaters: Warm, soft bread is available in every restaurant.

While the regular menus do include kid-friendly options, separate menus (which rotate daily) are available for little ones; they include entrees like mac-n-cheese, a mini-burger and whole wheat penne pasta and desserts such as apple slices and a yogurt parfait.

Breakfast is available in Cabanas buffet, Daisy's De-Lites and Lumiere's, free of charge (specialty drinks and smoothies are available at Lumiere's for an extra charge). During disembarkation, breakfast is served in all main dining rooms. One morning of each cruise is dedicated to a Character Breakfast, which features a special menu -- including the line's famous Mickey waffles! -- and the opportunity to meet and take pictures with Mickey, Minnie and other characters.

Note: Disney offers soft drinks (Coca-Cola products) free of charge at meals and at the 24-hour drink station on Deck 9 aft, but if you get them from a bar or room service, you'll still have to pay.

 

Free Dining

Lumiere's (Deck 3, midship): Named after the beloved candlestick from "Beauty and the Beast," Lumiere's is the fanciest and most traditional dining room of the three. It boasts a ballroom feel with Art Deco decor and subtle tributes to the film, such as "enchanted roses" hanging from the chandeliers. The French-inspired menu includes starters such as escargot and duck confit, and main courses like chateaubriand-roasted filet steak and wild mushroom pasta.

Animator's Palate (Deck 4, aft): This whimsical venue uses Disney's unique ability to create magic out of the mundane. Animator's Palate starts out in stark black and white, but during the course of dinner, it changes slowly into a room filled with color. Dinner shows are displayed using high-definition flat screens on the walls. On "Animation Magic" night (only on sailings of at least seven nights), diners contribute their own show, drawing characters that later appear on the screens interacting with real Disney characters. Starters include salmon tartare, sliced serrano ham and butternut squash soup, while entrees include black bean chipotle cakes and a ginger-teriyaki dusted beef tenderloin on top of wasabi mashed potatoes.

Rapunzel's Royal Table (Deck 3, aft): Available only on Disney Magic, the ship's "Tangled" themed restaurant was added in a 2018 dry dock. It combines entertainment with a meal, in an Oktoberfest-meets-Ren faire setting enhanced by a ceiling dripping with the sun-embossed lanterns of Corona. The food here is Germanic and heavy, think pork platters, pretzel bread and prime rib. Characters come out between courses and sing songs from "Tangled," although it's hard to see what's going on unless you're at a center table.

Cabanas (Deck 9, aft): Touting a vibrant "Finding Nemo" theme, Cabanas -- the ship's buffet -- is conveniently located at the back of the ship, steps away from the kids' Splash Zone. Breakfast includes usual favorites, such as made-to-order omelets, meats and bakery treats (gluten-free muffins also are available). The lunch menu changes frequently but includes the standard soups, salads, sandwiches and burgers, as well as kid-friendly mac-n-cheese and chicken fingers. For dinner, passengers can order signature dishes off the Main Dining Room menus, as well as other cooked-to-order items; it's a sit-down setting instead of a buffet at night (other than embarkation day and the night before debarkation).

The buffet also occasionally hosts theme nights, such as after the "Pirates of the Caribbean" deck party, in which the room and stations are decorated and fun foods such as bubble gum ice cream and make-your-own-crepes are offered. There's a special menu on Marvel night, too. Dining times vary for each meal, so be sure to check your daily planner for specific hours.

While we appreciated the buffet's variety of seating arrangements (booths and large six- and eight-top tables ideal for families), we found the space to feel cramped, even with seating outside. There wasn't much open space, which led to occasional confusion as to where the lines began and people having to squeeze around one another.

Duck-In Diner (Deck 9, midship): Situated on the other side of the kids' Splash Zone, the Duck-In Diner serves Middle Eastern shawarma made with chicken and lamb from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Pinocchio's Pizzeria (Deck 9, midship): For families looking to grab a quick bite without having to leave Goofy's Pool, Pinocchio's Pizzeria serves up a variety of slices from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. (noon to 3 p.m. during visits to Castaway Cay). Both vegetarian and gluten-free options are available. Pinocchio's reopens from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for a light dinner and 9:30 p.m. to midnight for late-night snacking.

Daisy's De-Lites (Deck 9, aft): Lighter lunch options can be found at Daisy’s De-Lites, nestled near the entrance to Cabanas. It serves fresh fruit, salads, wraps and sandwiches (like grilled chicken and turkey with cranberries) and cookies, from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Eye Scream Treats (Deck 9, midship): Complimentary self-serve, soft serve ice cream is available throughout the day (check your Personal Navigator for specific times, as they tend to vary). Chocolate and vanilla are served every day; on occasion, the venue will offer other flavors such as banana and strawberry.

Cove Cafe (Deck 9, forward): The cafe in Disney Magic's adults-only area offers complimentary pastries, ranging from croissants and chocolate puffs to apple tarts and glazed doughnuts. Specialty coffees and teas are available for a fee.

Room Service: Room service on Disney Magic is fast and efficient. The menu is relatively simple, with soups, salads, sandwiches (cold and hot), burgers and pizza. In-room breakfast is continental only -- but a great alternative to the buffet on crazy port days -- and ordered via a card that's hung outside your cabin door the night before. Suite passengers get hot breakfast options and dining room meals delivered upon request.

 

Fee Dining

Palo (Deck 10, aft); $30: Reserved for adults only, Palo is Disney Cruise Line's dedicated Italian restaurant. It's open for dinner and a Champagne brunch; both meals levy a $30 per-person charge. The restaurant serves Northern Italian cuisine in a warm, neutral setting with a wall of windows and scenes from Venice throughout; live piano music also sets the mood. Standout dishes include the Tuscan white bean soup starter, Dover sole entree (filleted tableside) and chocolate souffle dessert, which can be made gluten-free. For the ultimate date-night splurge, a special menu with wine pairing is available for $89 per person. The Champagne brunch features a cold buffet with seafood and meats, breads, salads, cakes and desserts, plus a hot made-to-order selection of eggs, meat and fish. Book either meal early, as the restaurant is small; while dinner is available nightly, the brunch takes place only three times per seven-night cruise.

Preludes (Deck 4, forward); a la carte: Two quick-service snack bars -- located on both sides outside the Walt Disney Theatre on Deck 4 -- serve buttery popcorn buckets, pretzels, chips, cookies and candy in addition to bar drinks, bottled water and coffee (all for an extra charge) during shows. It operates from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

O'Gills Pub/Snuggly Duckling (Deck 3, forward); a la carte: This Irish bar features free bar snacks such as nachos and hot dogs around Happy Hour time. There's also an a la carte meal with bar favorites such as a German pretzel, loaded Tater Tots, burger sliders, fried coconut shrimp and bangers and mash -- each ranging from $8 to $12.

On "Tangled: The Musical" nights, O'Gills -- part of the adults-only After Hours hangout spot -- transforms into the Snuggly Duckling, a tavern in the woods near Rapunzel's tower. "Tangled" decorations adorn the space, while servers dress up and take orders from the same menu.

Royal Court Royal Tea (Deck 3, midship); $279: In addition to organized meet and greets, little ones can meet their favorite characters at Royal Court Royal Tea. Held once per cruise in Lumiere's, for kids 3 to 12 years, it's essentially a fancy tea party, complete with character visits, special table settings and a spread of juice in tea cups, sandwiches, cupcakes and little gifts. The experience costs $279 for two passengers (one adult and one child) and $69 for each additional child. Tip: We recommend booking Royal Court Royal Tea in advance, as it tends to sell out fast.