Dream Or Magic???

[erinsmom03]

We are looking at going to the Bahamas in April 2014. It will be our second Disney cruise as a family (our first will be on the Fantasy in Feb., 2013) and we are bringing along my mom...and DD and grandma will have one room, DH and I will have another. Originally we had two verandah rooms booked on the Dream. Then, after I saw a few DISers suggesting two rooms, one inside and one verandah across the hall, for people trying to fit 5 in a room, I started to wonder if that could work for us, too. I had trouble finding that set up on the Dream, and I realized it would work on the Magic, which happens to be doing the exact same itinerary as the Dream, just one day later during spring break.

So, I know this is probably too subjective of a question to ask, but which do people prefer: the older, more intimate smaller ships, or the bigger, newer ships, and why?

 

[erinsmom03]

???????????

 

[MPS516]

We are looking at going to the Bahamas in April 2014. It will be our second Disney cruise as a family (our first will be on the Fantasy in Feb., 2013) and we are bringing along my mom...and DD and grandma will have one room, DH and I will have another. Originally we had two verandah rooms booked on the Dream. Then, after I saw a few DISers suggesting two rooms, one inside and one verandah across the hall, for people trying to fit 5 in a room, I started to wonder if that could work for us, too. I had trouble finding that set up on the Dream, and I realized it would work on the Magic, which happens to be doing the exact same itinerary as the Dream, just one day later during spring break.

So, I know this is probably too subjective of a question to ask, but which do people prefer: the older, more intimate smaller ships, or the bigger, newer ships, and why?

When you sail the Magic will have been through an extensive dry dock so she will not be old. If you are on the Fantasy in Feb then you should do the Magic in 2014 to see for yourself which you like better. We love the classic ships for their size and splendid nostalgic feel. We have sailed the Dream and she is very nice as well, but still like the Wonder and Magic better.

 

[Melissa S]

I love the classic ships. More intimate, less crowds, and always can find a seat (at lunch, pool, etc.). For us nothing is more annoying than spending ten minutes at Cabanas everyday trying to find a table, then flagging a CM for a highchair, all while I am holding my toddler (too crowded for the stroller) and my husband holding the food. The lines for the slide were too long to ride it more than once. We sailed on the Dream first, then tried the Magic which we loved (so much that we sailed it twice in one summer) and next we're trying the Wonder. If you like the new technology then sail the new ships. If you like the small ship feel and more money in your pocket try the classic ships.

 

[erinsmom03]

Thanks for your insight! I am thinking we will try the Magic!

 

[carpenta]

The Magic IS my favorite ship of all the ships and lines we have sailed. There is something of her refined elegence that holds her head and shoulders above others. The Dream? Too much like a carnival atmosphere and less like a cruise ship of old.

 

[erinsmom03]

I really am surprised to see the poll results so far...2 for the Fantasy/Dream, 10 for the Magic/Wonder! Looks like I can feel confident that the switch from the Dream to the Magic will be a good move! Plus, more money to splurge on excursions, maybe rent a room so we can enjoy Atlantis while in Nassau!

 

[jdb in AZ]

Another vote for the Magic. The newer ships are beautiful but when you're trying to get from Point A to Point B, those hallways go on and on and on forever. You didn't mention what physical condition your mom is in, but this grandma kept asking, "Are we there yet?"

 

[Bonniec]

I'm not going to vote since I haven't been on them. But I am going on the Magic next year.

At first I wanted the Fantasy. I like high tech things so the kid area looks awesome, the ship looks amazing in photos, and the aqua duck just looks COOL. We ended up booking the Magic due to costs and it being a double dip to Castaway Cay.

The more I have researched, the more I am glad. I think my family would prefer a smaller, more intimate ship. We aren't crowd people and my son doesn't like too much noise and crazyness or he gets sensory overload. So I would vote the Magic but only based on research.

 

[cruisecrasher]

I've loved the Magic and the Wonder, but since I haven't been on the Dream class, I don't feel I should vote.

 

[Niebz]

I voted, so I guess I'll throw my opinion out there too just to give you another perspective. We're some of the few who prefer the newer ships over the classics although both are great and you can't really go wrong. I only have been on the Dream and the Wonder so that's what I'm comparing - our next cruise will be on the Fantasy.

I love the huge grand atrium of the Dream - it is jaw-dropping gorgeous and so elegant. I love all the added fun activities on the bigger ship - the mini-golf, the midship detective agency and of course the aqua duck. One big factor for us that obviously won't apply to everyone is that we travel with little ones. There are no good get-wet options for kids who aren't potty-trained on the classic ships. The little splash area is tiny. The Nemo splash area on the bigger ships is so much better. I also like how the main family pools are all together so even when our family spreads out we can still wave and see each other. I vastly prefer the ambiance and theming of the restaurants on the newer ships although the dry dock on the Magic will hopefully improve that. Finally, I like the grandeur of the huge ships and could spend hours just walking around exploring.

I will say that the one area of the classic ships we think is much better than the newer ships is the adults only pool area.

Hope that helps - as I said before, you really can't go wrong.

 

[erinsmom03]

Thanks everyone for your input! I am excited that we will be able to experience both styles of ships!

jdb in AZ-thanks so much for the Grandma perspective! I hadn't given that too much thought, and I am sure my mom will do better with less walking!

 

[Biggsfamily]

Magic

 

[MKwatercraftPilot]

I've been on the Wonder, once, in 2009, and sailed the Dream twice, once in January 2012 and again last week. I have a date with the Magic next month.

I'm not going to vote because I can honestly say that my memory of the Wonder is foggy, but a previous poster's comment did make me want to post my 2 cents.

As far as the restaurants on the newer ships, as someone without children, I HATE the Animators Palate on the Dream. It is loud and obnoxious and not a relaxing place to dine. I like to relax on my vacations. I loved the Animators Palate on the Wonder. It's an amazing and magical experience.
I do, however, remember thinking that Parrot Cay on the classic ship was tacky, but at least it wasn't as annoying as Animator's on the Dream.

I'll be able to give my vote next month after my time on the Magic, but for now, I'll just subscribe to see others' opinions.

 

[lbgraves]

If it was between the Magic and the Fantasy I wouldn't be as certain, but with the Dream my vote is definitely for the Magic. The reason is that I like the shows on the Magic MUCH more than those on the Dream. You will have enjoyed the aquaduck in 2013. Our hearts are with the Magic since we have cruised on her 6 out of 9 times [and 2 on the Wonder so enjoy the design of the ships].

 

[erinsmom03]

Bump

 

[taylor3297]

I haven't been on any of the Disney Cruises but will be going on the Magic in October. Since I don't like cruises but my family wants to try one, I chose the smaller ship. I am thinking I will like having less people crammed on one boat.

Also, another point for the cruise I chose, was the double dip at Castaway Cay.

 

[Meghatron]

I would choose the Magic, for the simple fact that you will get more value for your money. DCL is so expensive to begin with, and the prices for the Dream and Fantasy are ridiculous, especially once you factor in the bigger crowds and longer lines.

 

[HappyGrumpy]

How extensive was the dry dock on the Magic, I am wanting to book her for the May 10 Galveston but have been concerned about the "old" factor now that I have fallen madly in love with the Fantasy.

We have done the Wonder 2, Dream 1 and Fantasy 1 so we need to do the Magic and I love the idea of doing the Keys and with a stop in WDW mid cruise I LOVE this!

Appreciate any info.

 

[Bonniec]

How extensive was the dry dock on the Magic, I am wanting to book her for the May 10 Galveston but have been concerned about the "old" factor now that I have fallen madly in love with the Fantasy.

We have done the Wonder 2, Dream 1 and Fantasy 1 so we need to do the Magic and I love the idea of doing the Keys and with a stop in WDW mid cruise I LOVE this!

Appreciate any info.

The dry dock isn't until next year. The 5 night double dip October 20th cruise will be the first sailing after dry dock.

Also, another point for the cruise I chose, was the double dip at Castaway Cay.

And I will see you on this cruise! Waiting until October is going to be painfully slow.