We knew it was coming, and now we have details! The Disney Magic, which is the first ship to sail for Disney Cruise Line 15 years ago, has been scheduled to go to dry-dock September 7 through October 10 this year. This past week, Disney Cruise Line announced just what will be changing during this down time.
The changes start in the Grand Atrium lobby of the Magic. A staircase will be removed, and the décor will become more in line with those of the Dream and Fantasy. The colors will be brighter, the Mickey statue will more slightly, and a beautiful new chandelier will be added.
Many of the changes will be found on the top deck of the Magic. A brand-new waterslide will be added to the ship. The AquaDunk takes the fun of the AquaDuck on the Disney Fantasy and Dream, and adds even more fun. The slide will still be clear in parts, and go out over the side of the ship. But no mats are required, and the beginning of the slide is a lot more dramatic. The floor will literally drop out from under guests and launch them via a 40-foot drop into a tube 20-feet over the side of the ship. Not surprisingly, there will be a 48-inch height requirement for the slide.
In addition to the waterslide, there are more changes to the top deck. The Mickey pool will be gone, but lots of other fun will replace it. If the kids aren’t tall enough (or adventurous enough) for the AquaDunk, there will be a waterslide called the Twist ‘n’ Spout (for guests between 36 and 64 inches tall). This slide is part of the water playground called the AquaLab for cruisers 3 and up. For the youngest cruisers, Nephews’ Splash Zone will feature water fun for children up to age three.
Also as part of the redesign, Oceaneer Club (ages 3-12) will be getting some new Marvel fun. The Marvel Avengers Academy will give young cruisers an opportunity to train and complete special operations alongside The Avengers. Décor in this new area will include Iron Man’s suit of armor, Captain America’s shield and Thor’s hammer. The experience will be a multi-day event. Sounds like fun!
Neverland will transform into several different themed areas for kids to explore including Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Pixie Hollow, and of course the Avengers. Andy’s Room will be making a debut on the Magic and will feature a huge version of Andy’s bed where giant versions of the toys will reside. There will also be pirates, an animator’s studio, and a navigator’s simulator. It sounds like the kids will be busy!
Of course the adults won’t be left out, with an expansion of the Senses Spa & Salon. Even teens will be able to indulge in spa treatments in the Chill Spa for ages 13-17 years old. The Senses Spa will expand in both side and treatments offered.
The adult entertainment district will change from the current Beat Street to After Hours featuring three unique clubs. Fathoms night club will celebrate the sea with different lighting and sound effects. Keys piano bar and lounge will be a quiet spot to relax and unwind, and O’Gills Irish pub will televise live sports events in a traditional pub atmosphere.
No cruise would be complete without some amazing Disney dining experiences.
Cabanas will replace the Topsider Buffet and will feature more seating. There will be a buffet here during the day, and table-service dining for dinner. The adults-only Palo will be getting new décor. Carioca’s is a new restaurant (replacing Parrot Cay) featuring Jose Carioca, the parrot from “The Three Caballeros” and decorated with a nod to the excitement of Rio de Janiero. Animators Palate will be upgraded to allow the “Animation Magic” show now featured on the Fantasy. Guests draw their own characters, and those characters magically become a part of the show.
A few more changes include the addition of D Lounge (formerly Studio Sea) which will be the spot for family entertainment including shows, dances and activities. The stateroom beds will be on elevated frames and more storage space will be added.
If you are looking for an amazing updated experience, the Disney Magic is sure to please. And if a cruise on the Magic is on the horizon, check out this special sailing on the Disney Magic on October 2, 2013. Just contact them for more details!
Bon voyage!