Compare the Magic and the Dream

[TestingH2O]

We're considering moving our 3 day Dream to something longer and later. After a second 4 day cruise, we realize 3 days is going to be way too short.

I'm concerned that we will be disappointed by the smaller ships though. For instance, we love the AquaDuck and I've heard mixed reviews of the AquaDunk. Is there a smaller kids slide? How about a splash pad?

What are the adult pool areas like?

Has anyone done concierge with the new lounge? Did you find the walk a deterrent from spending time in there?

Any thoughts or personal experiences are welcome.

 

[apathetic]

Personally, I found the AquaDuck underwhelming. The first 2 seconds are great, then it is a less than fast ride down a tube. It isn't worth a long wait, in my opinion. I was on the Magic last year and I'm almost positive (somebody will scold me if I'm wrong) that they had a large splash pad instead of a Mickey pool (like on the Wonder). But I could be confused about that.

The big ship v little ship debate is one you really can only decide yourself. The bigger ships have more stuff and larger areas, but twice the people to share it with. I thought the adult areas on the bigger ships were much better. The pools on the Dream will be bigger, but again, you share them with twice as many people. I think they are comparable and each has their own bonuses. But, it is up to the person and hard to explain until you've experienced both first-hand. I would say try the Magic. You may like the Dream better, but you won't be disappointed in the Magic.

 

[bafleyanne]

I like the Magic better than the Dream personally. The ship feels less crowded, especially on CC, and I don't miss the Aquaduck at all. The Magic has the Aqua Lab and it's great for the kids.

 

[Amw1064]

While there is no aquaduck on the Magic, they do have a much bigger yellow slide and the splash/fountain area. Also the aquadunk that I do not like but it is option. There are less crowds on Castaway and pool area doesn't seem as congested. Also the shows I think are better on the Magic. Disney Dreams, Tangled, and Twice Charmed. I am not a fan of the Villians show on the Dream. If it means getting to add another day then for sure switch to the Magic.

 

[TrySomethingNew]

We've done Magic (11 night) and Dream (4 night). the 11 night did not seem long at all, tons to do, but we chose for the ports. I liked the Dream for the spaces, which were larger, and more varied. However, being a sold out cruise over Christmas, it was certainly crowded at times, but mainly during transition periods (dinner, shows, on/off ship, parties). Magic (also a sold out cruise), never seemed that crowded, even during parties, but spaces were smaller, as well. We enjoyed both ships very much. Any future cruise we take will be chosen for the ports and/or dates that work for us.

There are pics of the Magic post-reimagine to answer your concerns. There is a pool and large yellow slide that now allows adults, I recall. Also the Aquadunk.

 

[angelinaxox]

I think both are great ships. I prefer the Aquaduck on the Dream as both my husband and I were able to ride together versus the the Aquadunk which was shorter and scarier for me. I also liked the inside rooms on the Dream with the magic porthole.
I enjoy the adult pool area on the Magic. I find it relaxing. The activities offered on both ships are similar and I enjoy all the Disney shows. However, Tangled on the Magic is my personal favorite.

 

[darnheather]

First and only trip was 7 nights on the Magic. Could have easily done another 3 (if not more) without leaving the ship.

 

[emnems34]

Although I've never personally been on the Dream, one thing I heard fellow cruisers on our recent Magic cruise say over and over was how much less crowded the Magic felt. Many people feel that the Magic and the Wonder, while smaller, are more pleasant experiences simply because of crowds being much smaller. I have to say I never found crowds to be a problem on our Magic or Wonder cruises, but we're still planning on the Dream or Fantasy next, just because we want to experience all of the ships! The slide's length may disapoint, but other than that I think you'll love the Magic!

 

[Allabouthemouse]

I'm concerned that we will be disappointed by the smaller ships though. For instance, we love the AquaDuck and I've heard mixed reviews of the AquaDunk. Is there a smaller kids slide? How about a splash pad?

The AquaDunk is more a thrill slide than the AquaDuck. Fun but a little scary and very fast. The Twist and Spout on the Magic is a fun slide for the little ones although adults can ride too.

What are the adult pool areas like?

The adult pool on the Magic is rectangular and deeper in the middle. There are shallow lounging shelfs on either side. We prefer the adult pool on the Magic since the hot tubs and the pool layouts seem bigger. Note that the concierge lounge sun deck overlooks the adult pool area.

Has anyone done concierge with the new lounge? Did you find the walk a deterrent from spending time in there?

We loved the concierge lounge on the Magic. It is small but very functional. There is a large window that overlooks the adult pool. This window is treated with a one way film that keeps this area pretty private except at dusk when you can see in from the outside. There is a door to the right that connects to the outdoor lounge area. Outside, there is a door that allows you to enter/exit from/to the outside decks. Very convenient for grabbing drinks from the pool deck. Since the Magic is a smaller ship and the concierge lounge is at midship, it was very easy for the concierge guests to access the lounge. We stayed aft last time and never felt that the lounge was out of the way.

Any thoughts or personal experiences are welcome.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

We've sailed on the Dream once and the Magic three times. In fact we spent 20 nights on the Magic last summer. We LOVED it! It really has a smaller, cozier feel to it. We were on a sold out sailing and it never felt crowded. We willl be on the Fantasy this summer and I know I'll enjoy it, but Magic will always be my favorite.