Disney Cruise Line’s Oldest Ships
Disney Cruise Line is a niche cruise line with many unique things that Disney does differently than other cruise lines. Check out my blog post about what DCL does differently.
This blog post will explore DCL’s oldest cruise ships, the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder. Next week, we will discuss the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy.
I have been on the Disney Wonder but not the Disney Magic; one day, I want to sail on all of the Disney Cruise Line Ships.
Disney Cruise Line is well known for its black, dark blue, gold details, red funnels, and whimsical ship horns, which play the classic “When You Wish Upon a Star.” Newer ships have a wider range of Disney songs on the ship horns. DCL was the first cruise ship to have the iconic yellow of Mickey’s shoes for the lifeboats. Disney Cruise Line is known for its stern characters, which include a giant statue of a Disney character at the back of the ship by the ship’s name.
The Disney Cruise Line features a variety of activities, such as life-deck party shows, fireworks at sea, live Broadway-style shows, first-run films, lounges and deck areas for kids and tweens, pools, a fitness center, a spa, adults-only lounges, and so much more!
DCL's dining experience is unlike any other on a cruise ship. Each ship features three main dining restaurants themed after various Disney characters. Dining on a Disney cruise, you will be assigned a rotation so that you will dine at every restaurant at least once during your cruise.
Disney Magic
The Disney Magic was the first ship in the Disney Cruise Line Fleet. It set sail in July 1998 and was refurbished in May 2023. With 11 public decks, 875 staterooms, and a crew of 950, the Disney Magic holds between 1750 and 2713 passengers.
Dining
Rapunzel’s Royal Table
A Feast Fit for Royalty
The Princess with the long, flowing locks is making her return to the Kingdom of Corona! Join King Frederic and Queen Arianna at Rapunzel’s Royal Table for a celebratory feast-filled song and dance. Catch the mischievous Snuggly Duckling Thugs in action and maybe even meet Rapunzel herself.
Lumiere’s
Be Our Guest
Relive the enchantment of Beauty and the Beast at this restaurant named after the charismatic candelabra from the beloved Disney movie. Be magically transported to a glittering fairy-tale world as you fall in love with the flavors of expertly crafted French and American cuisine.
Duck Diner
A quick-service counter features Middle Eastern-inspired food, such as gyros and shawarma, and American classics, such as burgers, hot dogs, and chicken tenders
Entertainment
Broadway-style shows
Prepare to be spellbound as you follow Rapunzel's hair-raising journey in Tangled: The Musical. Experience a favorite fairy tale in a new and surprising way with Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story. Take a delightful journey with Anne Marie in Disney Dreams – An Enchanted Classic, featuring Peter Pan, Pinocchio, Cinderella, Aladdin, and other favorite Disney friends.
AquaDunk
Follow Dewey’s duck prints up to the ship's highest point for a high-speed adventure like no other. Brace yourself as the floor drops out and you plummet 212 feet, rocketing over the side of the ship before plunging down 3 stories through a twisting translucent tube to an unforgettable splashdown.
Adult’s Only Spaces
Soul Cat Lounge
Swinging Good Time
Sway the night away at Soul Cat Lounge, a spirited nightclub inspired by the sultry sights and sounds of a retro New York City jazz lounge. Delight to live jazz music, an intimate dance floor and subtle nods to the Disney and Pixar movie Soul as you sip on a classic cocktail or innovative mocktail.
While this is not adults only, it’s designed with adults in mind.
After Hours Adult District
When the sun sets, enjoy a relaxing nightcap or some late-night partying at After Hours entertainment district, featuring a unique mix of adult-exclusive lounges, bars, and nightclubs. Watch sports at the Irish-inspired O’Gills Pub. Listen to timeless tunes at Keys, a retro-cool piano bar. And plunge into an ocean of fun, dancing, live entertainment, and spirited drinks at Fathoms nightclub.
Disney Wonder
The Disney Wonder was the second ship in the Disney Cruise Line Fleet. Its maiden voyage was in August 1999, and was dry dock/refurbished in September 2023. With 11 public decks, 875 staterooms, and a crew of 945, the Disney Magic holds up to 2713 passengers.
Dining
Tritons
An Ocean of Flavors
Be immersed in the dazzling underwater world of The Little Mermaid at this elegant restaurant inspired by the sea palace of Ariel’s father, King Triton. Amid ornate chandeliers, stained glass and sea-inspired architecture, “wet” your appetite with continental cuisine with a French flair for dinner.
Tiana’s
A Rousing Celebration
Swing to the rhythm of live jazz and indulge in scrumptious Louisiana-style cuisine inspired by the beloved Disney film The Princess and the Frog. Family photos and water-lily-shaped candleholders throughout are just some of the special touches from the movie that convey Tiana’s timeless tale.
Daisy’s De-Lites
A poolside quick service counter serving health-conscious treats from salads, sandwiches, wraps, fruit, and more.
Entertainment
Broadway-Style Shows
Dazzling stage shows filled with beloved melodies and incredible costumes, set design and choreography bring Disney storytelling to life in the heartwarming production of Frozen, A Musical Spectacular, the spellbinding tale of Disney Dreams – An Enchanted Classic and the star-studded The Golden Mickeys awards show.
Adult’s Only Spaces
French Quarter Lounge
Where It’s Always Mardi Gras
Let The Big Easy’s charm sweep you off your feet at this New Orleans-inspired watering hole! Indulge in lively libations, genteel décor and live jazz. And for a true NOLA experience, savor some hot, sugary beignets while sitting in a full-size streetcar.
While this is not adults only, it’s designed with adults in mind.
After Hours Adult District
For adult-exclusive entertainment, head to the ship’s After Hours district. Here, you can raise a pint to good times at the British-inspired Crown & Fin Pub, listen to timeless piano tunes in the 1950s-style Cadillac Lounge and dive into a splashy nightclub dance scene at Azure.
Sip & Savor
Sample a curated selection of beers, wines and spirits at an informative, adult-exclusive tasting event. Or stir up popular cocktails during a bartending workshop.
For the Kids
Royal Court Royal Tea
Treat the little princess or prince in your life—ages 3 to 12—to a fanciful dining event featuring herbal teas, sweet and savory bites, keepsake gifts and a special meet-and-greet with beloved Disney Princesses.
Featured on Both Ships
Because the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder are sister ships, they share many similarities. Therefore, this is everything that is the same for both ships.
Disney Cruise Line ships are known for their iconic horns, and the Disney Magic and Wonder started it all with the iconic When You Wish Upon a Star From Pinocchio.
Dining
Disney Cruise Line's main dining includes gourmet four-course meals with a show.
Animator’s Palate
Disney Wonder - Drawn to Magic
Celebrate the art of animated storytelling at Animator’s Palate, where illustrations of Disney characters adorn the walls and magically spring to life in vibrant bursts of color. Dine on an artfully prepared fusion of Asian, Pacific Islands, and California cuisine as the evolution of animation unfolds before your eyes to the tunes of some of your favorite Disney songs.
Disney Magic - A Storied Spread
Delight your senses at this dinner show featuring a banquet area adorned with black-and-white sketches that magically spring to colorful life. While savoring an artfully prepared fusion of Pacific Rim and California cuisine, witness the incredible evolution of Disney animation accompanied by classic Disney tunes.
Palo
Refined Culinary Pleasures
Indulge your senses at this chic adult-exclusive restaurant serving classic Italian fare with a modern twist. Pamper your palate with artfully prepared specialties, including dover sole fileted table side—and served with your choice from a stellar selection of Italian wines.
Cabanas
An on-board buffet that features 10 food stations and a beverage station where soft drinks are included.
Pinocchio’s Pizzeria
With options from classic pepperoni, vegetarian, Hawaiian, or cheese pizza by the slice poolside.
Eye Scream Treats & Frozone Treats
Choose from soft-serve ice cream or frozen fruit smoothies.
Entertainment
Goofy’s Pool
Enjoy your sea day by Goofy’s pool, watching a movie on Funnel Vision (24-foot-wide screen)
AquaLab
An 18,000-square-foot splash pad with the Twist’n’Spout water slide with a separate area for toddlers under 3 years of age.
Sports & Recreation
Get your game on at Wide World of Sports on the upper deck. With basketball courts, ping-pong tables, there’s no shortage of activities to keep you moving and grooving. And on the Promenade Deck, you can take in the ocean views and fresh air as you jog or walk the 400-yard track around the ship. For more leisurely pursuits, try your hand at shuffleboard.
Adult’s Only Spaces
Oasis on the High Seas
Escape to some relaxing “me-time” within the relaxing confines of the Quiet Cove Pool—the ideal spot to swim, socialize, sip drinks and soak up the sun. This tranquil adult-exclusive area also includes 2 whirlpool spas, Signals pool bar, and Cove Café.
Senses Spa & Salon
Relax and Rejuvenate
Experience pure bliss amid tranquil ocean views at Senses Spa & Salon. Pamper yourself with luxurious spa therapies and salon services—and enjoy the use of rainforest-like showers, an aromatherapy steam room and a Roman-style dry sauna before or after your treatment.
Fitness Center
Enjoy a treadmill run with a view of the ocean, or maintain your fitness routine at a fully equipped fitness center. You can work with a personal trainer or attend various classes, such as aerobics, yoga, pilates, and more.
Youth Clubs and Activities
Marvel Super Hero Academy
Swoop into the top-secret command post of S.H.I.E.L.D. and wield the weaponry of your favorite Avenger—including Thor’s hammer and Captain America’s shield! Kids ages 3 to 10 can enjoy arts and crafts, play video games or summon their inner strength during surprise Super Hero visits.
Andy’s Room
In Disney's Oceaneer Club, kids ages 3 through 10 get to experience the thrill of a larger-than-life version of Andy's room from the Toy Story films. Here, kids can create their own Mr. Potato Head and slide down a Slinky Dog slide. Little cowboys and cowgirls can dance at a hoedown with Woody or go on a scavenger hunt with Jessie.
Vibe
Older kids ages 14 through 17 can kick back in style at Vibe. Housed in the iconic red Forward Funnel of the ship, this urban, loft-inspired haven is the spot to socialize, watch movies, listen to music and play virtual-reality games and more.
Edge
Tweens ages 11 to 14 will have a blast in this inviting lounge designed to look like a hip boiler room, with flat-screen TVs, multiple gaming systems and a dance floor. Or enjoy music, arts and crafts, karaoke, scavenger hunts, selfie walls, themed nights of fun and much more.
“it’s a small world” nursery!
In this whimsical daycare center, little cruisers 6 months to 3 years of age can relax, play and meet Disney friends while being looked after by specially trained counselors.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
Let Fairy Godmother’s Apprentices transform your child into an elegant princess, a valiant knight, adventurous sea captain or salty pirate—complete with themed costumes, styling and accessories.
Staterooms
Designed with families in mind, Disney Cruise Line staterooms aboard the Disney Magic are equipped with innovations that ensure the ultimate in comfort and relaxation for Guests of all ages. From an imaginative inside retreat to a spacious and abundantly appointed suite, our world-class accommodations let you and your loved ones travel the high seas in high style.
Walter E Suite & Roy O Suite
Guests of our Royal Suites have at their disposal:
Sleeps 7-8
2-3 separate bedrooms
2.5 bathrooms, including a main with a whirlpool tub
A verandah
Living room
Open dining salon
Pantry and a wet bar stocked with water and sodas
Walk-in closet
Media library access
These suites have been renovated:
On the Disney Wonder Roy O Suite and Walter E Suites were renovated in 2016.
On the Disney Magic, both the Roy O Suite and Walter E Suites were renovated in 2023
You can choose from an inside view, ocean view, verandah (balcony), and concierge.
For more information, visit Disney Cruise Line.
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If you are here and reading this, you have an interest in your health and fitness. That is so good; I am so excited for you! Taking care of your body is the best thing you can do for yourself in the present and the long term.
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I find that quote so inspiring. Hard work will pay off in the future, but you must also live in the moment, and taking care of yourself is doing both. You are doing good for yourself now and for your future self.
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