Ship

Disney Magic

by Suzanne Kelleher

Disney Cruise Line / Kent Phillips — Disney Cruise Line

Number of Passengers2700

Ship Launched Year1998

Ship Refurbished Year2023

Ship ClassMagic

Ship TypeOcean

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 and further updates in 2023 to celebrate 25 years at sea added an adults-only Soul Cat Lounge and “An Encanto Celebration” experience for the entire family.

What We Love

AquaDunk: This thrilling drop 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.

The Dining Rotation: As on all Disney ships, guests rotate between three onboard family-friendly restaurants with different themes — and on Disney Magic, they’re pure fun. There’s Lumiere’s main dining room, serving American and French cuisines; Rapunzel’s Royal Table, a dining adventure inspired by the Disney film “Tangled”; and Animator’s Palate, where guests dine as they explore the magic of Disney animation. Adults can also entrust kids to onboard programs for tots and teens and sneak off to Palo, an inspired Italian fine-dining restaurant that’s bookable for an extra fee.

The Deck Parties and Marvel Day at Sea: Whether it’s Mickey’s Sail-A-Wave Party, Pirate Night, the Frozen Deck Party, or Marvel Day at Sea, Disney Magic springs to life with character-driven song, dance, and celebration that’s not to be missed.

Best Known For

Creative Kids Clubs: The Oceaneer Club children’s spaces on Magic are among the best at sea. Look for Tinkerbell’s dress-up closet, Andy’s Room from “Toy Story,” and even a Marvel Super Hero Academy, where kids can interact virtually with Iron Man and other Marvel notables.

Character Meet-ups: Consult the ship’s app to find your favorite Disney characters for photo ops and autographs throughout each day.

Who It's Good For

Families: Authentically wholesome and casino-free, Disney Cruise Line is the gold standard for cruising with kids.

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

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.