booked 5-day magic, considering switching to 7-day Fantasy

[Charlies_Mommy]

We booked a 5-day Merrytime Cruise on the Magic for our 1st Disney cruise (not our 1st cruise). Sailing party is myself, hubby, and 4 yr old daughter. Now considering switching to a 7-day on the fantasy. I don't know what to do. We would get to move to a larger family balcony cabin, but it is GTY one. We don't like crowds, but have survived just fine on prior cruises (as well as at Disney). Also, MUCH prefer the 7-day stops over the 5-day stops! But really like everything I have read about regarding the smaller Magic.
GRRR, really need advice!
Thank you!

 

[DCLDVC1]

Fewer people on Castaway Cay is the biggest benefit of the Magic over the Fantasy and Tangled is a close second. The Fantasy has never felt crowded to me. In fact, the Magic felt more crammed because of it's smaller size. Since you prefer the 7-day stops, I wouldn't hesitate to book the Fantasy.

 

[mmfox316]

I started cruising on the two bigger boats (Dream and Fantasy). I never feel crowded there. On the Magic I felt crowded. Castaway was nicer on the Magic. I would do the GTY on the Fantasy. The one time I did GTY we got a nice veranda at mid ship on deck 6.

 

[jdb in AZ]

They're both good choices, but I would go with the longer itinerary.

 

[mmouse37]

Love both ships but would opt for the GTY verandah and longer itinerary on the Fantasy.

MJ

 

[Cackyschmackers]

We prefer the classic ships, but if cost is no issue, I would always choose the longer cruise.

 

[Charlies_Mommy]

Thanks everyone. Decision made to switch to 7 day on fantasy! So much for testing the cruise waters with a little one. Looks like we are jumping in full force!

 

[Shanti]

We booked a 5-day Merrytime Cruise on the Magic for our 1st Disney cruise (not our 1st cruise). Sailing party is myself, hubby, and 4 yr old daughter. Now considering switching to a 7-day on the fantasy. I don't know what to do. We would get to move to a larger family balcony cabin, but it is GTY one. We don't like crowds, but have survived just fine on prior cruises (as well as at Disney). Also, MUCH prefer the 7-day stops over the 5-day stops! But really like everything I have read about regarding the smaller Magic.
GRRR, really need advice!
Thank you!

We've sailed on the Magic and the Fantasy. Loved them both, but loved the Fantasy more. Better food and service overall for us, more activities, more bells & whistles...It's an awesome ship. Crowding due to more passengers is not an issue as the ship is bigger. Castaway Cay was not mobbed. Really, after having sailed on both, I think the descriptions some post about the differences in "crowds" between the two ships is completely overblown.

 

[DCLDVC1]

Really, after having sailed on both, I think the descriptions some post about the differences in "crowds" between the two ships is completely overblown.

This x 1000.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Thanks everyone. Decision made to switch to 7 day on fantasy! So much for testing the cruise waters with a little one. Looks like we are jumping in full force!

Well, our first cruise (ever, not just DCL) was a 15 night one. That's jumping in full force.

 

[Cmbar]

Which Merrytime did you cancel and which fantasy did you pick up? Just curious if it was around the same pricing?? Thanks

 

[Charlies_Mommy]

Cmbar-we were paying $3,800 for the 12/10 sailing out of Miami on the Magic. Switched to 12/2 sailing on Fantasy out of PC at $5,300. Catch was, I was adding a day pre & post cruise in FLL to extend the vacation at nice beach resorts. This was costing more than I had planned for hotel, fees, transfers, and food. Did some math and for around $600 more, we could just sail the 7 day. We have free SW flights and getting to/fro Miami from FLL with a carseat was more work than I thought. Found great options in Orlando (and cheaper). Have a free stay at Hyatt (Orlando airport hotel). So, everything just made sense. Plus-7 day goes to BVI, an island I have never been to. The 5-day went to Cozumel (which I have had my fill of). TA said that is a hard week for Disney. Many kids in school and testing and it is right after thanksgiving.

 

[Cmbar]

Thanks for the information. We are on the Magic December 1 out of San Juan! We booked early and have a good price but now they have released VGT rates on that sailing so trying to decide if I want to rebook. To switch to the Fantasy leaving that same time frame was a much higher option for us so I was curious about the Fantasy having a VGT rate.

What did you find out about getting to Miami from FLL? We have to do the opposite at end of our cruise since we port back in Miami. We have free flights with SWA so we have to fly out of FLL. We don't have kids with us this time but we are a party of 8 adults. SWA just changed our flight back home to a 11:50 am flight. I'm nervous about getting to Ft. Lauderdale airport in time after debarkation in Miami on a Weds morning! Did you happen to get any guesstimate of times? Were you originally thinking limo or Uber? Thanks for any advice!

I'm sure you made the right choice!! The Fantasy is a wonderful ship!! Hard really to go wrong on that choice!! Have a wonderful trip!!!!

 

[kathi]

You will be boarding when we disembark. We have sailed all 4 ships multiple times and the Fantasy is my favorite. I think you will be very happy. Plenty to do for everyone and lots of space to explore. The only times I feel the crowds are safety drill, during deck parties, right before/after the shows and right before dinner. There is plenty of room on Castaway Cay - get there early, stake out a good spot and enjoy every minute of paradise!