The pioneer in Disney’s fleet, Disney Magic was the first ship to prove that elegance really can go hand in hand with kid-friendliness. This ship harks back to Walt Disney’s love of ocean liners, and families have been clamoring to get on board since she first set sail in 1998. A makeover in honor of the ship’s 15th birthday brought a fresh batch of amenities in 2013.
AquaDunk: This thrilling waterslide is the wildest ride on any Disney ship, sending you over the edge of the ship in a whoosh before depositing you safely in a landing pool in less than eight seconds.
Carioca’s: The newest of the ship’s three main dining rooms, this Brazilian-style venue kicks up the flavor with South American-style dishes like Cuban salad, flank steak, and mahimahi served with dried mango, pineapple, and toasted coconut salsa.
Creative Kids Clubs: The children’s spaces on the Magic are the best at sea. Look for Tinkerbell’s dress-up closet, Andy’s Room from “Toy Story,” and even a Marvel’s Avengers Academy, where kids can interact virtually with Iron Man.
Character Meet-ups: Consult the ship’s app to find your favorite Disney characters for photo ops and autographs throughout each day.
Families: Authentically wholesome and casino-free, Disney Cruise Line is the gold standard for cruising with kids.
It’s Pricey: Fans swear that Disney delivers great value (fares are more inclusive than on some other lines, including soft drinks and even loaner Diaper Genies). But prices are definitely not cheap.
The Pool Gets Packed: Families flock to the pools and splash areas when the sun’s out and the ship is at sea. For shorter lines at the waterslides, go in the morning or during the early dinner seating.
