Disney Magic Activities
Disney Magic Shows and Theaters
There are two theaters on Disney Magic -- one reserved for the ship's magical production shows and the other for Disney movies, which are played multiple times throughout the cruise.
On Deck 4 forward, the Walt Disney Theatre hosts the ship's lineup of Broadway-caliber shows -- most notably, "Tangled: The Musical," which portrays the fairytale-turned-Disney animated movie story of Rapunzel and her path to discovering she's a missing princess, alongside character favorites Flynn Rider and Maximus.
The remaining two Disney Magic shows -- "Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story" and "Disney Dreams, An Enchanted Classic" -- are equally impressive. The former is a continuation of the story of Cinderella, picking up from where the movie ended. The latter incorporates characters from a handful of Disney movies. Favorites from "Peter Pan," "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin," "The Little Mermaid" and "The Lion King" come together to teach a young girl the power of her dreams.
In addition to production shows, the Walt Disney Theatre hosts special events, such as magic shows, and occasional Disney movies. All main events take place twice per night. All shows contain jaw-dropping talent, backdrops, costumes and special effects, such as bubbles and lanterns "floating" above the seats during "Tangled." The theater itself boasts a classic style, with red carpet-lined walkways and plush seating with cupholders on every arm.
The Buena Vista Theatre is adjacent to the kids' clubs, on Deck 5 midship. It's dedicated to streaming movies throughout the day (many in 3D). On Disney Magic’s Marvel at Sea Days, the theater is all Avengers, all the time. One perk of being on a Disney ship is that whenever a Disney-owned movie production company has a theatrical release, Disney Magic passengers get to see it at the same time. Check your Personal Navigator for exact times.
Daily Things to Do on Disney Magic
It's pretty much impossible to not pass by a character at some point on your Disney Magic cruise -- whether it's Belle from "Beauty and the Beast" taking pictures with little princesses, Captain America high-fiving a superhero in the making or Captain Hook surreptitiously roaming the ship, surprising kiddos around every corner.
Character meet-and-greets take place at all hours of the day, in the Disney Magic atrium and in an open space by Preludes.
Enrichment activities vary by itinerary, but might include regional wine tastings, a pastry-making or dinner party-planning class and an educational seminar on the history of ocean travel, hosted by bridge officers.
Other Disney Magic activities such as trivia, bingo, crafts and themed family competitions also are held in various lounges, throughout the day and at night.
Note: There's no casino on Disney Magic (or any Disney Cruise Line ship, for that matter).
Nightlife on Disney Magic
Evening activities are structured in a way that's considerate of families' needs and routines. Theater productions are held twice a night, so parents can choose to attend before or after dinner, depending on their kids' bedtimes.
Parents even have their own space: a cluster of themed bars that heat up with activities (adult-themed trivia, magic shows and couples' games) after dinner. For mom and dad to take advantage of a night out, the kids' clubs are open till around midnight.
A highlight of every cruise, for both kids and adults, is Pirate Night -- a nighttime affair for which some passengers begin donning hats and pirate garb as early as breakfast. Some go all-out, dressing up in full costumes they brought with them. For everyone else, Disney provides "Pirates of the Caribbean" bandanas to all passengers the night before and shops sell themed attire for those with FOMO (fear of missing out).
Other, smaller deck parties also are held on the Funnel Vision stage, and movies are streamed under the stars on Funnel Vision, the ship's outdoor screen.
Disney Magic Bars and Lounges
Soul Cat Lounge (Deck 3, midship): Formerly the Promenade Lounge, it's hard to miss this bar on Deck 3. It is nestled in between Lumiere's and Rapunzel's Royal Table and features a small stage and plenty of seating. Live music takes the stage before and after dinner. Other daytime activities include games such as a Wii challenge and charades, origami-making crafts and Disney tunes trivia.
O'Gills Pub (Deck 3, forward): Disney Magic's twist on an Irish pub is one of the most popular hangout spots for adults onboard. Decked out in dark woods, Kelly-green accents and leather booths and barstools, O'Gills Pub sets the mood for casual drinks and activities, day and night.
The menu includes a small selection of beer (we expected more variety from a pub), cocktails, wine, scotch, single malt and Irish whiskey -- with unique options like the Royal Velvet (Guinness Stout and sparkling wine, which we surprisingly loved) and a "Blarney Stone" tasting, which includes O'Gills' own Irish cream, Kilbeggan Irish whiskey and Irish coffee. During the day, O'Gills hosts live Irish music, trivia (mostly music by the decade) and other games such as a Jenga challenge.
Complimentary small bites, such as raw veggies with dip, nachos and cheese and Buffalo wings, are available throughout the day; late-night snacks are served as well.
Fathoms (Deck 3, forward): Although Fathoms is labeled as a nightclub, it's more often used for activities such as couples' challenges and music video dance parties. A DJ comes on every night, but you'll seldom see a hopping crowd -- unless it's the night before a sea day. A full bar is located at one end of the venue. The space itself is fun and trendy, boasting an underwater theme with jellyfish-like lighting fixtures and intimate seating nooks along the wall.
Keys (Deck 3, forward): Those looking for a more low-key night should head to Keys, the ship's dedicated piano bar. This adults-only hangout has a bar and is best known for its musical tribute nights honoring legends like Billy Joel, the Beatles and Nat King Cole.
D Lounge (Deck 4, midship): This fun-for-all lounge is a hub for entertainment -- thanks to its central location on Deck 4, just above the Disney Magic atrium, where passengers participate in game shows, exhibitions and other family-friendly activities. Highlights include family karaoke, a "Who Wants to Be a Mouseketeer" game show and various crafts and towel-folding classes. The D Lounge doesn't have set hours, so check your Personal Navigator for activity times.
Signals (Deck 9, forward): This outdoor bar is located in the adults-only Quiet Cove area and offers beer and cocktails poolside. It is more of an outdoor lounge than a bar, with comfy seating. Servers make the rounds taking orders from loungers on the sun deck and in the hot tubs.
Cove Cafe (Deck 9, forward): This Quiet Cove venue is popular during the day for its specialty coffees, but it also has a full bar with assorted cognac, scotch, single malt, martini and wine (glass or bottle) options a la carte. Coffees -- such as cappuccino, espresso and a variety of flavored lattes and frappuccinos -- as well as a wide selection of teas also carry a fee.
Frozone Treats (Deck 9, midship): Next door to Eye Scream Treats, Frozone Treats sells smoothies for a fee. Drinks include Berrilicious Mirage (raspberry yogurt with raspberries, blueberries and blackberries), the Gazerbeam (pineapple, mango, vanilla yogurt, lychee, ginger and lemon grass) and the Mode Chai (vanilla soy milk, peaches and blueberries). A small selection of bottled and draft beer also is on offer.
Pinocchio's Pizzeria (Deck 9, midship): Disney Magic's pizza joint also happens to include a bar, for those who don't want to stray too far from Goofy's Pool.
Concierge Lounge (Deck 10, forward): Overlooking the Quiet Cove, the Disney Magic Concierge Lounge is a small space exclusive to passengers who booked a Concierge package. The space is overseen by a concierge host who assists passengers with making reservations, as well as other perks. Unlimited refreshments and complimentary drinks are available throughout the day; there's also an outdoor deck space, albeit it only has tables and chairs -- no loungers for sunbathing.
Disney Magic Pools and Hot Tubs
Disney Magic's three swimming pools -- all freshwater and heated -- are located on Deck 9, each with a different theme or purpose. (Kids must be toilet-trained to enter any pool.) To help keep kids safe, Disney Cruise Line provides lifeguards and life vests in a variety of sizes at all family pools.
Goofy's Pool (4 feet deep all around) is a family favorite, thanks to its location on Deck 9 midship, right by the stage and Funnel Vision TV. The pool is complemented by two whirlpools and a plethora of deck space and is only steps away from the pizzeria and ice cream stop. Throughout the day, Disney classics and new releases -- ranging from "Cinderella" to "Frozen" -- are played on the big screen.
At night, Goofy's Pool area hosts movies and deck parties, including the line's much-loved "Pirates of the Caribbean Party" -- complete with a character music and dance party, and fireworks show (weather permitting). A second pool is located in the kids-only AquaLab and is essentially a water jungle gym, with a slide and other play areas.
Quiet Cove, all the way forward by the ship's spa, is a peaceful adults-only area with a pool and two whirlpools and an upper deck with additional lounge space (seating surrounding the pool is limited). The space is open to passengers 18 years and over; its late hours and positioning toward the front of the ship make for good star-gazing opportunities.
AquaLab, Sports Court and AquaDunk on Disney Magic
For adults and kids looking for an adrenaline rush, the Disney Magic AquaDunk -- a straight-drop slide version of the AquaDuck found on Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy -- is a must. Walk up the forward funnel (accessible from Deck 10 midship), step inside a capsule and count down until the floor opens up beneath your feet. Passengers both young and old loved it, while others asked themselves, "What the heck was I thinking?" Note: Kids must be more than 48 inches tall to ride the Disney Magic water slide.
AquaLab, on Deck 10 aft, is a kids-only water play area designed to portray a water experiment, with pop jets, geysers, bubblers and a freshwater pool. The area also includes the Twist 'n' Spout Slide -- an exciting way for little daredevils to cool off -- and the Nephews' Splash Zone, a water playground that's safe for youngsters under 3 years, who aren't toilet-trained and must wear swim diapers.
All the way forward on Deck 10, the Wide World of Sports features basketball and volleyball courts, soccer nets, Ping-Pong and shuffleboard.
Sun Decks on Disney Magic
Lounging space surrounds all three pools on Disney Magic, though the only sun deck designed for an escape from all the outdoor activity is in the Quiet Cove (which has padded deck chairs as opposed to the plastic ones found by the other pools.
Additional deck chairs can be found all along Deck 10 -- a handful are located under shaded canopies, overlooking the Quiet Cove.
Services and Wi-Fi on Disney Magic
Disney Magic's Guest Services and Port Adventures desks both can be found on Deck 3, just outside the atrium. The line's shore excursions offer a variety of experiences, many of which include a family-friendly option with activities geared toward kids and an adults-only choice. Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries include visits to Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, with areas especially designated for families, teens and adults.
There are four shops onboard -- two on Deck 4 midship (Mickey's Mainsail and White Caps), one on Deck 4 midship near Shutters photo gallery (Diamonds and Wishes) and one (Sea Treasures) on Deck 3, right by the adults-only After Hours enclave. Mickey's Mainsail sells postcards and Disney memorabilia. White Caps has a variety of logo apparel, jewelry and watches, while Sea Treasures offers duty-free perfumes and liquor. On Marvel sailings, this area is transformed into a venue for Avengers-themed gear. Diamonds and Wishes sells upscale watches and jewelry.
Note: Any liquor purchased in one of the ship's duty-free shops will be held for you until the end of the cruise.
The most popular splurge, however -- at least among the little ones -- is the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, a salon/shop on Deck 10, forward. For a steep fee, girls receive the ultimate princess makeover -- complete with hairstyling, makeup, nail polish, a Disney Princess dress, a crown, wand, sash and tote. More wallet-friendly options include a mini-makeover for girls (sans dress, wand and crown); for boys, there's a superhero look that includes hair gel, Mickey hair confetti, a sword and shield, and one step up, hairstyling plus a costume of choice. Shoes for girls and boys are an additional fee.
Disney Magic internet packages are available through the Disney app for an additional fee. Packages can be purchased for one or multiple devices.
Self-service launderettes are located on Decks 2, 6 and 7, and are open 24 hours a day. Each has an ironing board and iron, washers, dryers and automated machines selling laundry detergent and dryer sheets. Hint: A limited supply of laundry detergent is available for free on embarkation day, but it runs out quickly. For those who wish to have their clothes washed for them, laundry and dry-cleaning services are available for an additional charge.
A small art collection, which sells paintings mainly featuring Disney characters, can be found in the Vista Gallery, along a corridor on Deck 4, midship. Unlike other cruise lines, Disney does not hold art auctions.
Photos are a big part of a Disney cruise, and the Shutters photo gallery (Deck 4, aft) was refurbished in 2018 to give passengers more space to browse the photos taken by professional photographers throughout their cruise, create albums on kiosks (available for print) and purchase cameras. It also features a private studio for family portraits.
Disney Magic's medical center is located on Deck 1, forward.
Smoking is allowed only outdoors on Deck 4 (starboard) from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., as well as on Deck 9 forward, port side.
Senses Spa and Rainforest Room on Disney Magic
The Senses Spa and Salon is a small yet peaceful retreat, hidden at the very front of the ship, next to the adults-only Quiet Cove on Deck 9 forward.
An area just off the spa lobby, called the Rainforest Room, houses two coed steam rooms (including one with an aromatherapy injector), a fog shower and heated ceramic loungers -- all surrounding a central fountain. Despite its name, the space has neither rain nor a forest, nor is it particularly tropical; it boasts a Tuscan-inspired design.
The Rainforest Room on Disney Magic offers one-day and cruise-long passes. If you have a treatment at the spa, you can use the room at any time during that day at no additional charge.
Spa treatments range from the usual (Swedish massage, hot stone therapy) to the unusual (chocolate body wrap with massage).
For an even more intimate experience, Spa Villas (Mediterranean-inspired suites with verandas) are ideal for couple's massages and extensive individual services. The Personal Navigator will indicate which specials are offered; port days usually have the best deals.
The salon portion provides haircuts and styling treatments for women, a barber shop that offers haircuts and hot shaves for men, an area for manicures and pedicures, and a "Smile Spa" for teeth whitening. There's also a Chill Spa reserved for teens 13 to 17 years, with a simplified menu of massages, facials, hair care and tanning treatments, as well as special mother/daughter and father/son massages.
Disney Magic Fitness Center
Deck 9 forward is also where you'll find the fitness center, which is part of Senses Spa & Salon. Hugging the front of the ship, the gym offers a variety of cardiovascular and weight machines -- most facing a wall of windows -- as well as aerobics classes and, for an additional fee, yoga and Pilates. You'll also find an open-air track, showers, lockers and complimentary water and towels.
Private hour-long sessions with a personal trainer are available for a fee.
The ship's jogging track can be found on Deck 4; three laps equal 1 mile.
Is Disney Magic Kid Friendly?
Disney Magic was designed with families in mind, so it's no surprise that most of the programs onboard tend to appeal to all age groups. While there is no in-cabin babysitting on Disney ships (only group sitting), the areas designated for kids are probably the most extensive at sea, with activities for every age level and late hours available so parents can have a night out.
One of the nicest and unique things about Disney Magic's kids’ club is that everyone has a chance to experience each area. While activities are organized by age groups, all children, ages 3 to 12, have access to the same two clubs on Deck 5 midship (Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab) and can move freely between them.
The programs for children from age 3 are provided at no additional charge. Kids get their own version of the Personal Navigator and can join their groups at any time during the day, including dinner with fellow kids/clubbers, while parents dine alone. Parents are also able to leave their little ones in the kids' clubs (including the nursery), on a port day, if they wish to have a day to themselves.
It's a Small World Nursery on Disney Magic
It's a Small World Nursery (Deck 5, midship) takes babies as young as 3 months and children up to 3 years of age. The nursery is stocked with baby swings, walkers, books, toys, games and a TV, as well as a quiet area with cribs. There is a per-hour charge for this service, but it allows parents time to be on their own for dinner in Palo or a trip to the spa, for example. You can sign up your child in person onboard; spots are assigned on a first-come-, first-served basis on embarkation day.
Disney has an online service that allows passengers to order baby supplies in advance of their cruise and have them delivered to their cabins (provided by Babies Travel Lite). There are more than 1,000 brand-name baby products to choose from, including diapers, baby food, infant formula and specialty travel items. The dining room can also provide mashed or pureed food for babies upon request.
Oceaneer Lab and Oceaneer Club on Disney Magic
The Oceaneer Club on Disney Magic is a combination of four individually themed spaces. Andy's Room brings the famous set from "Toy Story" to life -- only kids are the ones who are toy-sized. The room includes a two-story structure resembling Andy's bed, a Slinky Dog slide and a Mr. Potato Head. Marvel's Avengers Academy is a S.H.I.E.L.D. command post, where kids can interact with the Avengers (through a virtual game) while they train and prepare for special missions. The two remaining rooms are Club Disney Junior, where kids can partake in crafts and games themed after the network, and Pixie Hollow, a fairytale space in which Tinkerbell's teapot home serves as a closet filled with dresses fit for a princess.
The pirate-themed Oceaneer Lab hosts Disney movies in front of a large plasma screen, computer time in the Captain's Workshop, cupcake-making classes and other activities -- many with a pirate twist.
Parents have the option to obtain Oceaneer Bands for their kids, ages 3 to 12, which alert parents to when their kids sign in and out of the club areas. The bands are free to use onboard but will cost money if not returned. Parents also have the option to purchase the bands, which are capable of unlocking "gifts" on the Disney Infinity video game, for kids to play back home.
Note: The bands are not equipped with a GPS tracking system. Kids 8 and over are allowed to sign themselves in and out, with a parent's consent. (Younger kids can only check-in; a parent must be present at check-out.) Once kids hit 11, they no longer require parental consent, since there is no check-in/check-out system at the older ages' clubs.
All kids' club services are available on Castaway Cay.
Teens and Tweens on Disney Magic
Tweens (11 to 14) have their own hangout space called the Edge, on Deck 9 midship. It offers computers, video games and a variety of activities ranging from talent shows to glow parties. Parental permission is required for 10-year-olds to visit Edge.
Teens (14 to 17) also have their own special area, Vibe, which is housed in the nonfunctioning funnel on Deck 11, midship. Similar to the policy allowing 10-year-olds in Edge, teens 13 and 14 have access to both Edge and Vibe. (Kids here are not required to check-in and check-out.)
Vibe has a hip urban lounge feel, with oversized couches, flat-screen TVs and vintage video games. An espresso bar serves coffee drinks, and there's a catwalk where teens can lounge. Although it's supervised by Disney personnel, no parents are allowed.
Activities in Vibe include video game challenges, dance parties, bingo and a variety of crafts. Nonalcoholic drinks and coffee also are served. All drinks are free with the exception of smoothies, which bear a minimal fee.