Disney Magic Has a Whole New Look

Just off the Disney Magic® and there is a new and exciting transformation and an extra touch of magic to many of the most important areas of this classic ship. Having just sailed on the Disney Magic® this past January, a whirlwind 2-night cruise-to-nowhere was the perfect re-introduction to this nostalgic ship.

Let’s begin with the new look of the art-deco grand atrium where I found a more open, but somewhat empty feel. In place of the Chululey chandelier (I’m still wondering what they did with that gorgeous thing!) are sparkling crystal fixtures representing the rays of the sun, and below are three decks carpeted in a vibrant coral, blue, and aquamarine palette mimicking the surface and the floor of the sea. Bronze “Helmsman Mickey” still welcomes guests and is on hand during some of the most exciting character meet ‘n’ greets that occur here in the lobby.

Perhaps the most notable changes are for children in the totally re-designed Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab with both areas much like their counterparts on the Disney Dream® and Disney Fantasy®. In Disney’s Oceaneer Club kids enjoy Andy’s Room based on the Disney-Pixar “Toy Story” animated movies, Pixie Hollow where Tinker Bell and her fairy friends come alive in a forest setting, and Mickey Mouse Club for crafts and video games. And now that Marvel is part of the Walt Disney Company family it’s one big wow to see The Avengers in Marvel’s Avengers Academy where young crime-fighters are transported to their high-tech command post for special missions and operations training. On display are Iron Man’s suit of armor, Captain America’s shield, and Thor’s hammer.

Disney’s Oceaneer Lab offers a new pirate-themed area where children are encouraged to create, play and explore, an animator’s studio, and Navigator Simulators where budding buccaneers can steer a ship through the Caribbean.

And we mustn’t forget dining now that Animator’s Palate, one of the most popular restaurants on the Disney ships, is updated with all-new animated walls that are super high-definition. The show is new and improved but similar to the older version, but I’ve been told that both the “Crush” and “Drawn to Magic” shows will eventually be added to the restaurant’s repertoire. Parrot Cay is now Carioca’s with a Rio de Janeiro theme lit with flickering lanterns.

The Disney Magic’s buffet has been totally re-designed with a fun “Finding Nemo” theme. Now named Cabanas there is a much more open and inviting feel with almost triple the size; during daytime hours are buffet stations, and in the evening the restaurant transforms into a table-service dining spot. Even Palo is more stylish with new lighting, glass artwork, and stone floors.

While the spa has been renamed Senses Spa & Salon with a sleek, contemporary lobby, expanded mani-pedi and salon area, barbershop, and new Chill Spa for teens, I still feel a bit of a disappointment that the Rainforest area and dated treatment rooms were not updated. Loved my bamboo massage, but I felt as if it was happening inside a 1980s shower stall with the walls lined in dated pink, orange, or baby blue tiles.

Can we talk about After Hours, the nighttime adult entertainment district that received a top-to-bottom, absolutely gorgeous transformation? All three clubs have new names and a completely new look. My favorite place for before- and after-dinner cocktails is the piano bar, Keys. With Gayla Smith back at the piano and a contemporary and sophisticated look what more can you ask for? The always popular Fathoms is sort of a catchall of entertainment from disco to an adult comedian with an ever-changing lineup full of surprises. And for those sports fans O’Gill’s Pub fills the gap with its Irish pub atmosphere and live televised athletic events.

And then to the upper decks where fun galore awaits with two new slides, AquaDunk and Twist’ n’ Spout. AquaDunk‘s three-story body slide is strictly for thrill-seekers (I never did get the courage to try that first doozy of a trap-door drop, and my heart would probably not have survived shooting out 20 feet over the ocean in its translucent tube), but just about anyone will enjoy the tamer Twist n’ Spout. Toddlers now squeal with delight at Nephew’s Splash Zone with a Huey, Dewey, and Louie theme, and more shade has been created around the pool deck.

All in all a definite and much-needed improvement throughout the ship, and it was very exciting to see the ship transformed with new life. You just might want to consider a sail on her somewhere in the near future!

The Disney Magic sails to the Caribbean and the Bahamas out of Miami until January 2014 when it shifts to Port Canaveral for 3- and 4-night Bahamian sailings before moving to the Mediterranean Summer of 2014.

Cara Goldsbury is the author of The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World® Resort. She is Chief Executive Concierge at Glass Slipper Concierge and has appeared as a leading Disney expert on two Travel Channel specials, Disney Splurge! and Disney Royalty. She has also been cited numerous times in national news articles, in such notable publications as Forbes Traveler, as an expert on the Walt Disney World® Resort.