You've Probably Heard the News...
Disney Magic will be
Re-Imagined This Year
We thought we'd take a different approach to the latest news coming out of Disney Cruise Line by looking at Disney Magic then (1998) and now (2013).
First, the News...
Disney Cruise Line has announced that they will sprinkle some pixie dust on the 15 year old Disney Magic vessel which will transform the ship into something closer to the more recent additions to the line, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.
The ship will be taken out of service from September 7 to October 10 for its biggest-ever refurbishment. The operation, being done in Cadiz, Spain, will cover restaurants, bars, the spa, the atrium, cabins and kids' spaces, and will include the addition
of an AquaDunk water attraction that can be seen in the photo above. It will be similar, but quite different to the AquaDuck on the Dream-class ships.
It's 1998...
When the Disney executives decided to enter the Cruise market in the 90's, they set about bringing the on-land Disney family experience to sea. Obviously, there were some standard features that are needed on a cruise ship that they started with, but they made some changes geared towards family entertainment and the Disney culture.
Most notably missing was the casino, which could be found on most other ships of the same size, currently sailing the seven seas. Disney wanted to have entertainment for the entire family to enjoy throughout the day and into the evening. Therefore, they added an entire deck's worth of space devoted to kids and family activities, and two technologically advanced theaters which featured evening entertainment appropriate for all ages.
Cabins were another area that needed attention for families traveling together. The standard outside cabin (with or without balcony) was clearly designed with families in mind. Beds convert from twins to queen and are placed in the middle section near a curtain that divides the bedroom area from the sitting area, which is particularly useful at night, after the kids are asleep. In the sitting area, there's a sleeper sofa, coffee table, desk and color television. Balcony cabins are plentiful at 44 percent of outside staterooms.
It's 1998...
When the Disney executives decided to enter the Cruise market in the 90's, they set about bringing the on-land Disney family experience to sea. Obviously, there were some standard features that are needed on a cruise ship that they started with, but they made some changes geared towards family entertainment and the Disney culture.
Most notably missing was the casino, which could be found on most other ships of the same size, currently sailing the seven seas. Disney wanted to have entertainment for the entire family to enjoy throughout the day and into the evening. Therefore, they added an entire deck's worth of space devoted to kids and family activities, and two technologically advanced theaters which featured evening entertainment appropriate for all ages.
Cabins were another area that needed attention for families traveling together. The standard outside cabin (with or without balcony) was clearly designed with families in mind. Beds convert from twins to queen and are placed in the middle section near a curtain that divides the bedroom area from the sitting area, which is particularly useful at night, after the kids are asleep. In the sitting area, there's a sleeper sofa, coffee table, desk and color television. Balcony cabins are plentiful at 44 percent of outside staterooms.
After the Pixie Dust Settles...
Guest this Fall will be amongst the first to see the changes that occur during the month-long dry-dock including the following:
- AquaDunk on the Disney Magic is a thrilling three-story body slide that begins with a surprise launch, sending guests on a near-vertical drop and through a translucent tube that extends 20 feet over the side of the ship.
- The grand atrium lobby on the Disney Magic, inspired by elegant art deco and elements of the sea, features a palette of vibrant coral, blue and aquamarine, a dazzling new chandelier and a grand staircase.
- The vibrancy of Rio de Janeiro creates an energetic atmosphere in Carioca's, a new restaurant on the Disney Magic. During the day, buffet meals feature a festival theme before night falls and the atmosphere transforms into an after-hours scene of Rio de Janiero, with city-side windows softly illuminated and lanterns flickering overhead.
- Disney Cruise Line's popular adult-exclusive Palo restaurant receives a makeover on the Disney Magic, with stylish wood fixtures, glass artwork panels, decorative lighting and hand-tufted carpet.
- Animator's Palate on the Disney Magic, one of the most popular restaurants on the Disney ships, is updated with all-new, animation-adorned walls and larger high-definition flat-screens to provide the best views of the animation magic that takes place all around.
- Cabanas on the Disney Magic, drawing inspiration from Australian influences with uniquely Disney touches, includes a beach-themed dining room that has beach umbrellas and teak Adirondack chairs to create a sunny "down under" décor for guests.
- Fathoms on the Disney Magic is a night club inspired by the excitement of the sea that utilizes special effects, lighting and sound to create different atmospheres from early evening to night.
- The youngest (and smallest) cruisers --- ages three months to three years --- can enjoy the new It's a Small World Nursery on the Disney Magic.
- Mickey Mouse Club is a new youth area in Disney's Oceaneer Club on the Disney Magic where kids can create crafts and play games on custom, ear-shaped tables, in a room splashed with Mickey's signature colors of red, yellow and black.
- Keys on the Disney Magic is a piano bar and lounge perfect for guests wanting a low-key nighttime experience.
To learn more about the changes and see an album with the Disney Imagineers renderings, become a fan on our Facebook Page and click the Disney Link on our Welcome Page.
Click on this image to go there now.
The newly reimagined Disney Magic will sail from Miami this fall! Enjoy 3-, 4- and 5-night Disney Cruise Line sailings to the Bahamas, or 5-night Western Caribbean cruises, all departing from this vibrant South Florida city. Explore the Everglades by airboat, stop by Little Havana, soak up the sun on South Beach and more!
