Disney Magic Review
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I traveled with my mother on this three day "quick-cruise" as a prelude to a Disney Parks visit, to "whet the appetite" for all things Disney. I am mid-30's and she is mid-60's and we both love Disney, and we are used to expecting -and getting - the finest in entertainment and service from the Disney brand. I have cruised quite often, at least once a year, and had been on the Magic once before in 2004. My cruising for the past 9 years is done almost solely on Cunard, with my husband, but I was excited to get back on a Disney ship.
The "re-imagined" Disney Magic is spectacular in and of itself. The ship is beautiful, with classic features of wood, marble and elegant appointments in the restaurants and public rooms, with just enough Disney whimsy and sightings of Mickey & Co. The restaurants and public rooms were somewhat recognizable from our cruise almost a decade ago, but the refit had obviously refreshed the ship. The adult areas had been completely redone and had an elegant piano bar "Keys", a "new wave" décor disco/cabaret, and even a fun-loving Irish pub/sports bar "O'Gill's" combination where trivia and other events took place. Having no children, I did not visit any interior children's areas. The outdoor decks have been completely redone also. The family area has added some great extras, with splash areas, slides, and a famous "Aquadunk" daredevil slide for all ages. The Adult Pool is still a nice respite with a good outdoor bar next to it. In the public areas for all, the Lumiere's restaurant still exudes elegance, and the re-imagined Animator's Palate was a spectacular show, with live appearances by Mickey and a great atmosphere. I did not eat in Carioca's, which has replaced Parrot Cay. More on why later.
This itinerary had only one port of call - Castaway Cay - which was a nice island, and a good way to do a Bahamian/Caribbean island without the usual hassles from the locals. Surprisingly, this was the easiest place for character greetings and pix - hardly any lines at all. If you can imagine a Disney "beach" park - this is it. They also provide your meal on shore - at several BBQ locations throughout the island.
Cabin Review
Spectacular, one of the best parts of this Disney voyage. The suites were redone in the up-fit and they are amazing. We had a nice wet bar, 2 bathrooms, a separate bedroom, all appointed with plenty of shelves and closet/drawer space. Two nice large TV's were something you don't find often on a ship - great touch. We had fresh fruit as well as other treats delivered daily. There were also nice polished woods throughout the rooms. The Master Bath was amazing - huge, double sinks, nice granite, great jetted tub with very nice shower and bath amenities provided. Also a scale...uh, a little weird on a cruise ship. Two very soft luxurious robes are provided. The walk in closet was great with plenty of room as was the vanity area. Overall the Magic suite was just wonderful, not a single negative aspect to the room. Outside the room....ugh, it's right below the family pool. Get ready for noise. There's no way around it.