The Disney Magic Western Caribbean Cruise was our fourth, the previous three being aboard RCCL's Explorer of the Seas out of Port Liberty, Bayonne, NJ (2) and, in July 2010, Oasis of the Seas out of Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. All three were wonderful experiences.
Why a Disney Cruise after Royal Caribbean? We are a family of four (adults), the youngest being my 22 year old son who is multiply handicapped (both physical and intellectual disabilities). He LOVES Disney World, but frankly at my age, that is a "working vacation". Anyone who has ever cruised knows that cruising can be the ultimate in relaxation. David also loves cruising, so we thought that a Disney Cruise would be the best of both worlds for him.
We booked Disney before we had even sailed on Oasis and then proceeded to build up the anticipationn for it with David, calling it "Mickey's Big Boat". A few months after booking we found out an essential piece of information about the ship: There is no handicapped lift for the pool. This blew my mind; how could such an important piece of equipment be missing? After multiple phone calls and letters (even one to Robert Iger), the attitude I got from Disney was, "too bad for you".
Handicapped Balcony Room: Positive: very spacious, lots of storage space, large, well-designed bathroom with roll-in shower
Negative: At stern of ship - too rocky, on starboard SMOKING side - second-hand smoke wafting in my face.