The Magic started right here way back in 1998
This is where it all began, my friend. It’s the moment when Mickey Mouse woke up one morning and decided to create a cruise line, spreading pixie dust across the oceans. The Disney Magic launched in 1998, kicking off the idea of having fun with Mickey, Darth Vader, Spider-Man, and countless other characters on the high seas. While it may feel dated in some aspects, it has received several recent updates, including the addition of a Tangled-inspired restaurant, Rapunzel’s Royal Table.
The Disney Magic is also the only Disney ship sailing from Galveston, Texas, making it more accessible for our friends in Central America to meet Mickey Mouse. It’s the smallest ship in the fleet (tied with the Disney Wonder), but still large by cruise standards. It offers a more affordable vacation compared to its younger sibling, the Disney Wish, and could be a great option for your first Disney Cruise to see if you want to explore the rest of the fleet later on.
What we like about the Disney Magic
There are a few things that stand out right away, such as the more affordable rates, the option to sail from Texas, and that classy, magical feel that evokes the classic Disney charm. This atmosphere is also reflected in the three rotational dining restaurants onboard: Lumière’s, Animator’s Palate, and Rapunzel’s Royal Table. One restaurant is inspired by the art of animation and Mickey Mouse, another by Beauty and the Beast, and the third by Tangled.
Rapunzel’s Royal Table is the newest addition to the Disney Magic’s dining options and ranks among the best in the fleet. It’s a fun dining experience with live music and appearances by Rapunzel, Flynn, and other characters from the film. Rapunzel’s Royal Table is exclusive to Disney Magic, offering a beautiful atmosphere with paper lanterns on the ceiling and a vibrant stage full of music.
The Disney Magic also has a few surprises in store. One of them is the AquaDunk, a fun waterslide where you enter an enclosed capsule, the floor drops away beneath you, and then it’s time for the ride of your life. The AquaDunk debuted in 2013 and is a great example of how Disney has kept the Magic updated with modern attractions.
There are three stage shows available on the Disney Magic: Tangled: The Musical, Disney Dreams, and Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story. The cool part is that both Tangled and Twice Charmed are exclusive to the Magic, so be sure to catch them when you have the chance. While they might not be my favorites across the fleet, they’re still pretty good, with Tangled usually considered the best on the ship.
Other than that, you can expect the standard excellent service from Disney staff and one of the best kids' clubs at sea. The Disney Magic has also received updates to its Kids' Club over the years, including the introduction of the Marvel Super Hero Academy, keeping it in line with Disney’s newer ships.
What we don’t like about the Disney Magic
The main downside of the Disney Magic is that it feels a bit dated. After all, this is a ship that started sailing in 1998. For example, it has only one specialty restaurant, Palo. While Palo is amazing, your dining options are more limited compared to newer vessels like the Disney Dream and Disney Wish. Pools are also rather small, and get crowded rather easily.
The options for adult entertainment are also fairly limited, concentrated in a specific area of the ship. These areas can feel a bit claustrophobic and aren't themed after anything in particular. I hope to see updates in this area in the coming years, maybe with the introduction of a Star Wars or Marvel-themed bar. The Disney Magic also doesn't have a specialized sweets shop and lacks some of the unique shopping options found on newer cruise ships launched in the past five years or so.
Do I recommend the Disney Magic? Yes, if you're sailing from Texas or if it's your first Disney cruise. However, if you're sailing from Florida, there are better options, such as the Disney Dream and Disney Wish, which offer more dining options, better stage shows, and a more modern design overall. That said, it’s still a great experience to board this ship, catch some of its exclusive shows, and sing along with Rapunzel.
After all, the Magic is still strong with this one.
Disney Magic FAQ
Where does the Disney Magic sail from?
The Disney Magic sails from Galveston, Texas, and from Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale in Florida.
What are the Disney Magic’s main destinations?
The Disney Magic primarily focuses on the Caribbean and the Bahamas.
What are the stage shows available onboard the Disney Magic?
The three stage shows available onboard the Disney Magic are: Tangled: The Musical, Disney Dreams, and Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story.
What rotational dining restaurants are available onboard the Disney Magic?
The three rotational dining restaurants available onboard the Disney Magic are: Lumière’s, Animator’s Palate, and Rapunzel’s Royal Table.
