By John Sisker
Owner/Manager, SHIP-TO-SHORE CRUISE AGENCY®
(714) 536-3850 or toll free at (800) 724-6644 & (pagoo ID: 714.536.3850)
www.shiptoshorecruise.com
I though I better not wait too much longer to give this review of the Disney
Magic, of course, from Disney Cruise Line. While this evaluation is a
personal opinion, and the Disney Wonder is the sister ship, this review is
geared to our experience with just the Disney Magic. While sister ships, the
main difference, at this time, is far more than the decor and nomenclature
for some of the select public rooms and restaurants. The Wonder is geared
for the 3 and 4 day market to the Bahamas. The Magic is (again, at this
time) for the 7-day cruise market to the Western and Eastern Caribbean. Our
particular cruise was to the Eastern Caribbean, with stops at St.
Maarten-Martin, St. Thomas (St. John) and Disney's private island of
Castaway Cay (Bahamas). In fact, no matter which ship or for how long of a
cruise, everyone will enjoy a day at Castaway Cay aboard a Disney ship in
that general region.
True to Disney form, the ship was sparkling clean, and actually a bit bigger
than we expected, even though we already knew the Gross Registered Tonnage
of 83,300. Believe it or not, the Disney character icons, while indeed
present throughout the ship, were not over-done, even though more were
around if one really looked. We should all know about the hidden Mickey
hunts by now. However, the Disney characters themselves were also well
represented, just look at our photo album to see evidence of that
(www.ourfamilyalbums.photosite.com/DisneyCruise). Naturally, this appealed
to the kids - yet, I took pictures of everything anyway. Now, speaking of
kids, one would naturally think the ship would be over-run with children,
but that was not the case at all. Yes, there were more kids aboard than any
other cruise we have been on, after all this was Disney and in the middle of
summer. But all the kids we saw were very well behaved. How and why? That
answer is easy. This is Disney. Disney is well known for their kids
programs. However, they also offer plenty for the adults as well and also at
the seclusion from the kids. Yet, the clubs keep the kids so busy that
they're not out much during the day, or even the evenings for that matter.
In other world, Disney knows how to do it right for any age group.
Now, let's get to the ship itself. The first noticeable difference from our
other cruises, at least to us, was what Disney calls rotational dining.
Basically, there are three (3) main restaurants, or dining rooms, aboard the
Disney Magic. Actually four (4) if one wants to count Palo; and indeed, they
should. For Palo is the top of the line in fine-dining aboard the Disney
Magic. Yet, the other three (3) main restaurants are Lumiere's, Animator's
Palate and Parrot Cay. Rotational dining simply means that you rotate
between dining rooms each night of your cruise. The nice thing about this
is, along with this rotation concept also comes your very same table mates
and dining rooms service staff as well. Therefore, everything is the same,
except for the dining room of course. Animator's Palate was the most unusual
of dining experiences to us, for when one first arrives, the dining room is
basically black and white. However, as the meal progresses, more color is
added to the room, so towards the end of one's dinner experience, all the
pictures, animation, props and decor within the entire dining rooms is now
alive with color - and music. In other words, the dining room is brought to
life - Disney style, and of course with typical Disney themes. After all,
it's called Animator's Palate. To expand upon these restaurants a bit, let's
explore each one in a little more detail. Yet, keep in mind, besides these
main restaurants, are everything from casual buffets, to a place to get hot
dogs, pizzas, ice cream, etc.; even room service is available 24-hours a
day.
There's actually a little more than just rotational dining, for each night
you will not only enjoyed a tasty change of pace, but also a deliciously
different menu, and of course a different Disney venue as well.
Animator's Palate, as mentioned, delights all of your senses. Walls
decorated with black and while sketches of classic Disney favorites welcomes
you inside. As the taste temptations begin, music plays and as you dine, new
colors comes with every course in a dazzling display of Disney magic.
Parrot Cay (Key) fills your night with tropical scenes and delightful
dishes. Here, the world-famous food of the Caribbean is king and that means
island-style fun for everyone.
Lumiere's offers fine dining with a European flair in an atmosphere of
classic Disney elegance inspired by Disney's Beauty and the Beast.
Likewise, during our 7-day cruise aboard the Disney Magic, we started one
day with a smile and a hug, with a Disney Character Breakfast (in Parrot
Cay) which is indeed a great way to start any day. After all, we're just
kids at heart.
Yet, a high up on deck 10, with a sweeping ocean view and unparalleled food
and wine menu, Palo is Disney's romantic alternative restaurant that's just
for adults. At an extra cost of only $10 per person, this reservation
required fine-dining establishment is and was well worth it.
The Walt Disney Theatre is the main showroom aboard the Disney Magic,
seating nearly 1,000 people. True to what one may actually think, there are
indeed lavish Disney style production shows aboard, such as The Golden
Mickey's (a Disney star-studded theatrical spectacular), Disney Dreams (a
musical adventure through Disney classics with Peter Pan), Twice Charmed (an
original twist on the Cinderella story), All Aboard, Let the Magic Begin (a
singing extravaganza that kicks off all the fun) and Remember The Magic - A
Final Farwell (magical, musical moments create the ultimate enchanted
final). These are original Disney entertainment - Broadway style production
shows, and the most magical presentations ever preformed at sea.
Yet, not everything is always Disney as one may think, even though we're on
a Disney ship. For needed variety, there were comedians, jugglers,
magicians, signers, just to name a few. In the same venue, there is also the
Buena Vista Theatre, which does show Disney movies throughout the day and
night. This same location also held presentations and other type events.
Yet, Beat Street is a smaller type lounge with a stage that held some of the
more late-night adult type acts, with the off-Disney entertainers.
Likewise, at both the Walt Disney and Buena Vista Theatres, was a
presentation/question and answer session by Richard Sherman, from the
Sherman brother's songwriting team, back in Walt's day. They are remembers
most for all the songs they wrote for the movie Mary Poppins. However, other
memorable hits should come to mind as well, such as It's a Small World, the
Tiki Room theme and It's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow - from the Carousel
of Progress. Of special note, during the question and answer session,
Richard tried to play (on piano) and sing the song called Sister
Suffragette, written for Glynis Johns, also part of the Mary Poppins
repartee. However, he forgot the words, after all, it been 42 years. My wife
Deborah picked up the tune and finished the song for Richard and the entire
audience, with a big thanks and sigh of relief from Richard himself. Seeing
Richard Sherman was certainly an unexpected, but very welcome surprise, for
it was the Sherman brother's songs that Deborah and I literally grew up with
and actually remembered the most.
During our 7-day cruise, we signed up for a backstage tour of the main
showroom, the Walt Disney Theatre, and how these lavish production shows
actually come about. It was quite a fascinating experience, especially to
learn that such a theatre at sea was actually more technologically advanced
than just about any on land, for if something was needed, they simply
couldn't just go out and buy it. Everything had to be there, and because of
the limited space, a lot of creativity was incorporated into the stage area
with roll-on sets, drop-down props, stage lifts, side-curtains pull-outs,
and of course the lighting and music, etc. Likewise, it was also the
responsibility of the Stage Manager, also providing the tour, to determine
how each productions show would have to be presented, all depending on the
conditions of the sea. The ships captain would communicate this requirement
to the Stage Manager, who would then have to adjust the show accordingly,
possibly even having to cancel a performance in a worse case scenario. We
were told that this only occurred once since the Disney Magic was launched.
Likewise, cut-backs could include how many stage performers were on stage at
any given time, possibly limiting certain props, cutting down on select
acrobatic acts, etc. The bottom line to all this is safety of the
performers, but at the same time, the audience would not even notice most of
these subtle variations, unless of course they saw and remembered the show
from a prior performance.
On a somewhat similar note, there were Disney characters all over the ship,
not just in the production shows, but at select locations for picture
taking. True to form on any ship, the ships photographers were well
representative, taking pictures of the children with the Disney characters
for a later purchase. However, amply time was also allowed for the parent
themselves to take their own pictures, so one did not have to purchase any
"ship" provided pictures, unless they wanted to. And believe me, the Disney
characters were well represented - somewhere around 20 different characters,
including, believe it or not, Captain Jack Sparrow for Private if the
Caribbean, which by the way, Dead Mans Chest was also playing in the Walt
Disney Theatre on select days and times.
As mentioned before, the ship is beautiful, and has virtually everything one
could imagine. However, keep in mind, there are no casinos aboard any Disney
ships. I suppose Disney feels it doesn't quite fit in with their
Disney/Family image. Likewise, even though there are adult only sections on
the ship, even there, one will never find a casino. However, what seems to
be the growing trend with other cruise lines as well; there was a large
outdoor movie screen by the family pool. Likewise, there are actually 4
pools aboard the Disney Magic, even though some will say there are only 3.
The fourth one is extremely forward and is the employee's only pool. The
remaining three (3) are; one (1) for kids, one (1) for families, and one (1)
for adults. Likewise, a nice touch for Disney even in these adult only
sections on the ship, no kids are allowed. Not that we don't like kids, it's
just nice to get away to a very "quite" place now and then.
Let's finish touring the ship, with a review that is way too long already.
For casual dinging, there is the Topsider Buffet, the place to eat when you
don't want the more formal dining experience. Breakfast and lunch buffets
are always available. Special and themed buffets are featured throughout the
cruise, including the gala (chocolate) buffet of course. Naturally, along
with the cruise comes 24-hour room service, pizza, burgers, chicken, hot
dogs, and more are available by the pools, including the ever popular ice
cream station. Likewise, sodas, juices, coffee and tea are always available
on deck. And a first for us, the soft drinks were also free.
True to Disney standards, the ship is absolutely beautiful and is very well
maintained. Of course, it is also relatively new, being built in 1998. Its
sister ship, the Disney Wonder was built in 1999. However, I think with the
Disney connection, one will not have to worry about any decor or maintenance
issues over the years. Again, look through our personal Disney Cruise Photo
Album at www.ourfamilyalbums.photosite.com/DisneyCruise, for a picture is
indeed worth a thousand words. Yet, to help clarify some of what you will be
looking at, let me interject the following descriptions.
When it originally came to planning our Disney Cruise, it was rather unique,
because just about everything we could dream of was included in the price of
our cruise. However, I'm sure you already know that. Yet, we don't have any
kids, so why would we even consider a Disney Cruise at all? Well, first of
all, even though a rather cop-out answer, we're young at heart. And besides,
we're both big Disney fans. Likewise, we also need to sail on the products
that we do sell, and especially when it comes to so-called family cruising.
Disney would obviously be at the top of that list.
(www.shiptoshorecruise.com)
So now let's do some more exploring: We discovered the Studio Sea Family
Nightclub (for game shows, Mickey Mania, karaoke, and family dance parties
every night), live sports via satellite, basketball, deck hockey and Goofy's
Fitness Challenge - and of course, all for the family). The Oceaneers Club
[Ages 3-7] (includes Animation Antics, Detective School, Do-Si-Do with Snow
White, Gases in Action, Nestle Jr. Chef Experience, Professors Goo's Magical
Experiment, Swinin' Like Tarzan, Aladdin's Fun Adventures, JoJo's Circus and
Mouseketeers In Training). The Oceaneers Lab [Ages 8-12] (includes
Apprentice's Workshop, Animation Cels, Mysterious Island, Science Sorcery,
Goofy's World Record, Regatta Racers, Splish & Splash Pool Party, Cranium
Crunchers, Pathfinder and Radio Waves). Just pay a visit to
www.disneycruises.com for a full list of Kids activities and programs.
Now imagine the teens having their very own personal getaway. Teens only. No
adults. No little kids. High up in the ship's funnel with a view of
everything on deck, the place is packed with music, video games, TV's, its
own lounge, Internet access and atmosphere to spare. On the Disney Magic it's
called the Stack. For ages 13-17 (you'll find Teen Trivia Challenge, Video
Game Tournaments, Gender Wars, Pump It Up, Gotech, Maximum Capacity Party,
Disney Animation, Bring It, H2O Splash Down, Karaoke, Glow Jam, Pajama Party
Movie Night and a Party In Paradise).
Now, just for us adults, relax by Quiet Cove Pool, unwind in Cove Cafe,
sweat it out in the fitness center, experience wine tasting,
behind-the-scene tours and other innovated programs, treat yourself to the
Vista Spa & Lounge, hit the clubs for late-night good times, just to name a
few things. And of course, there is plenty to do for the family that wants
to stay and play together as well.
All in all, the ship's staff is excellent, no complaints there, or really
anywhere else for that matter. This does not mean everything was simply
picture perfect, but if one is purposely looking for issues, they will find
them no matter where they look. We would do this again in a heart-beat,
therefore, we highly recommend a Disney Cruise aboard the Disney Magic to
everyone, whether you have kids or not. The Disney Wonder, being a sister
ship, would no-doubt come out with the same basic review. But remember, the
Disney Wonder is reserved for 3 and/or 4 day cruises, the Disney Magic is
for the 7 days cruises (Eastern/Western Caribbean, even though other
itinerates are included as well from time to time).
In closing, the cabins are fine, also available on www.disneycruises.com for
viewing. This time, we personally opted for a small inside cabin, but
surprisingly we had tub/shower combinations, instead of just a shower on
some of our other cruises. Likewise, each cabin gives you plenty of space,
and each is well-appointed with natural woods, imported titles and plenty of
creature comforts. All 12 stateroom categories are designed with an elegant,
nautical Disney flair, and substantially more space than you find on most
other ships. And almost every stateroom offers a split bath featuring one
room with a tub/shower and sink, and another with a sink, and, um... other
necessary restroom plumbing. The smallest cabins start at 184 square feet
and everything else goes up from there.
With one last look around the Disney Magic, one will note the first ever
fireworks at sea. After all, this is Disney; but it did take them three (3)
years to get the necessary permits/approval to do so. Likewise, please note,
the ship is Mickey Mouse (no pun intended) colors; black, red and a
yellow/orange - again needing special approval for the Maritime Commission
(and other entities) to change the required orange lifeboat colors to the
Mickey yellow/orange color. As you can see, Disney takes this tie-in very
serious.
Happy sailing,
John Sisker, SHIP-TO-SHORE CRUISE AGENCY®
(714) 536-3850 or toll free at (800) 724-6644 & (pagoo ID: 714.536.3850)
www.shiptoshorecruise.com
Photo Albums.
Disney Cruise: (www.ourfamilyalbums.photosite.com/DisneyCruise)
Walt Disney World: (www.ourfamilyalbums.photosite.com/WDW)
NCL Hawaii Cruise: (www.ourfamilyalbums.photosite.com/Hawaii)
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