Disney Magic Best Viewing, Miami, & Any Tips

[triciambe]

We are cruising next month in the Magic. This will be our second cruise; last time we were in the Fantasy. Two questions:

1. For the pirate and Marvel shows up on deck 9, where is the best area for viewing? Based on the pictures I’ve found online, it looks like there’s a great viewing area on Deck 10, directly across from the stage. Is this open to guests during the show, and if so, how early do we need to be here in order to get a good spot?
2. We will be in Miami for a day before the cruise. Any tips on a family friendly excursion for the day? Our boys are 7, 11, and 13.
3. Since our only previous experience with cruising was in the Fantasy, and that was a larger ship, any tips or insights in the things that are unique to the Magic and/or different from the Fantasy?

Thank you so much for any help!

 

[mmouse37]

If you want that spot on Deck 10 you have to get there pretty early...at least 30 minutes before the show starts (maybe even earlier). But really anywhere along Deck 10 has good views as well as the front of Deck 9.

The Magic is a lovely ship. Yes she is smaller than the Fantasy but still a wonderful ship. Very easy to get around and the ship feels much more intimate. We love Cadillac Lounge...make sure you see all the detail...it is really cool. I also like the adult pool better on the Magic than the Fantasy...more chairs around the pool.

We did the Magic with a Marvel day and a Halloween on the High Seas this past October and loved the Marvel Day...so cool!!!

We are really looking forward to Rapunzel's Royal Table....it looks really special.

Here is one of the photo backdrops for Marvel Day.



MJ

 

[cadien]

We'll be in Miami a couple extra days for a Marvel cruise next month too. With a 7 year old boy. We're going to be visiting the Seaquarium, the Frost Science Museum, Azucar Ice Cream, and maybe the Flying Trapeze School.

There's also a zoo, a children's museum, and an auto museum.

 

[zeferjen]

Here's our tentative plan for the day before the cruise in Miami. We leave Saturday! My kids are 10 and 11. The goal was to do things that are unique to Miami, since we have Science museums, aquariums, etc. near our house.

9:35 AM
Arrive FLL airport
10:30
Pick up rental car at Budget, leave airport
11:30
Arrive at Versailles restaurant for Cuban food. Has parking lot
1:00
Leave for Buffalo Tiger's Airboat Tours
1:45
Arrive at Airboat Tour
3:00
Leave for Hotel, check in, change into dinner clothes
4:30
Leave for Southbeach
5:00
Dinner at Joe's Stone crab
6:00
Tour Southbeach; Lincoln Road and Espanola Way, Ocean drive. The 17th Street Garage Is Cheap and Convenient.
Possible ice cream at the Frieze on Lincoln road
8:30 Go to hotel

 

[dcassetta]

We are cruising next month in the Magic. This will be our second cruise; last time we were in the Fantasy. Two questions:

1. For the pirate and Marvel shows up on deck 9, where is the best area for viewing? Based on the pictures I’ve found online, it looks like there’s a great viewing area on Deck 10, directly across from the stage. Is this open to guests during the show, and if so, how early do we need to be here in order to get a good spot?
2. We will be in Miami for a day before the cruise. Any tips on a family friendly excursion for the day? Our boys are 7, 11, and 13.
3. Since our only previous experience with cruising was in the Fantasy, and that was a larger ship, any tips or insights in the things that are unique to the Magic and/or different from the Fantasy?

Thank you so much for any help!

1. I think that is an excellent location. Since there are 5 of you, I would recommend 45 minutes before the show.
2. Have you been to the Everglades?
3. On the day that they do the Tangled show (best show on any of the ships IMHO), O'Gills turns into the Snuggly Duckling complete with Thugs. On that day there is a Thug scavenger hunt and info is available at either guest services or the port adventures desk.

 

[triciambe]

1. I think that is an excellent location. Since there are 5 of you, I would recommend 45 minutes before the show.
2. Have you been to the Everglades?
3. On the day that they do the Tangled show (best show on any of the ships IMHO), O'Gills turns into the Snuggly Duckling complete with Thugs. On that day there is a Thug scavenger hunt and info is available at either guest services or the port adventures desk.

Thank you for the advice!

We have not been to the Everglades, and though I personally would like to go, I asked the boys and they weren’t interested, unfortunately. I’ve read a bunch about the scavenger hunt. The boys really enjoyed the Midship Detective Agency game on the Fantasy so we’ll definitely do the Thug scavenger hunt.

 

[triciambe]

We'll be in Miami a couple extra days for a Marvel cruise next month too. With a 7 year old boy. We're going to be visiting the Seaquarium, the Frost Science Museum, Azucar Ice Cream, and maybe the Flying Trapeze School.

There's also a zoo, a children's museum, and an auto museum.

Thank you! I’ve seen Azucar Ice cream mentioned in a few other posts - will definitely check it out!

 

[MelSpees]

Thank you for the advice!

We have not been to the Everglades, and though I personally would like to go, I asked the boys and they weren’t interested, unfortunately. I’ve read a bunch about the scavenger hunt. The boys really enjoyed the Midship Detective Agency game on the Fantasy so we’ll definitely do the Thug scavenger hunt.

Even though your boys say they're not interested in the Everglades, I think if you took an air boat tour they would love it. If you are interested, I say go for it. It was a highlight for us on a WDW trip.

 

[triciambe]

Even though your boys say they're not interested in the Everglades, I think if you took an air boat tour they would love it. If you are interested, I say go for it. It was a highlight for us on a WDW trip.

I agree. I might go ahead and schedule it. Was there a particular tour, group, or place that you'd recommend? I saw some review for Everglades Safari Park that seemed promising?

 

[MelSpees]

I agree. I might go ahead and schedule it. Was there a particular tour, group, or place that you'd recommend? I saw some review for Everglades Safari Park that seemed promising?

I'm sorry, it was quite a few years ago and I don't remember. Maybe someone else will have a recommendation.

 

[AngelDisney]

Sorry that this is a bit off topic. DD has severe reaction to mosquito bites. They turn into blisters in the size of half a ping pong ball, hindering movements in legs and arms with pain. Wouldn’t want that to happen on a cruise. She had one each time during both our trips at WDW in 2014 and 2017. I am thinking about an Everglades small group day tour but I am worried. How bad is the bug condition there? TIA!

 

[dcassetta]

Sorry that this is a bit off topic. DD has severe reaction to mosquito bites. They turn into blisters in the size of half a ping pong ball, hindering movements in legs and arms with pain. Wouldn’t want that to happen on a cruise. She had one each time during both our trips at WDW in 2014 and 2017. I am thinking about an Everglades small group day tour but I am worried. How bad is the bug condition there? TIA!

Mosquitoes can be pretty bad in the Everglades, but that's not true of all times of the year. If you're visiting in the winter it's likely to be better. You should also avoid visiting early in the day and late in the day, as mosquitoes particular like dawn and dusk. Long pants, longsleeved, and shoes that completely cover the foot, will help. Mosquito repellent containing DEET are the most effective.

 

[AngelDisney]

Mosquitoes can be pretty bad in the Everglades, but that's not true of all times of the year. If you're visiting in the winter it's likely to be better. You should also avoid visiting early in the day and late in the day, as mosquitoes particular like dawn and dusk. Long pants, longsleeved, and shoes that completely cover the foot, will help. Mosquito repellent containing DEET are the most effective.

Thanks for the prompt reply and helpful info. I would probably skip this then. We will be there on January 1. It’s not warm but too risky.