Disney Magic in 2024, still worth it?

[Jsoenning]

We just got back from the Disney Magic for a 4 night cruise over spring break. I'd say she's still worth it.

Rough spots are likely the age. We had a balcony and while clean definitely has been well used. We were in room 8012 and first day my wife noticed water in the toilet bathroom would come up out of the tiles when you stepped in a certain spot. They were on it though - came in and dried, disinfected and put down a towel. Then maintenance caulked the hole. Fixed issue until we took a shower and the source of the water was coming out of the drain (guess connected somehow to shower room and guessing water escaped as our daughters showered?). Plumber came and removed the plug and unclogged the drain. Room attendant stayed on top of disinfecting and cleaning.

Probably most annoying part was Guest Services - they sent a note in the app to go by Guest Services to ensure it was fixed (which we did) and then they left a note on the door to call (which we did) and then they called and left a message to call back (which we did) and then they dropped off two more notes on our door, at which point we stopped calling back.

Other than those two things the magic was still there. Cast members were outstanding in attitude and helpfulness (cleaning up glasses at pool deck while lounging), providing great service at the bars, kids had great time at the Edge, lines weren't insane for characters despite being spring break (other than for princesses, we elected not to do the Royal Gathering and there were waits for the individual princesses), the food was outstanding (had the best wait staff in many cruises), Palo brunch made us a believer in it again after a bad service the time before. Only regret was my lack of willpower eating all of the food. Cabanas food was the best in memory - fresh, tasty, and last day churro waffles (knowing full well I was going to brunch in a couple of hours).

 

[cvjw]

We aren’t fans of the Magic. We sail on the fantasy - our favorite ship. To us, the adult only area was way too small on the magic.

 

[Mags2002]

The Magic is absolutely still worth it. I was a CM and have lived onboard both the Magic and the Wish for many months. While there are things I like and dislike about both ships, I would pick the Magic every time

 

[dreamer17555]

We aren’t fans of the Magic. We sail on the fantasy - our favorite ship. To us, the adult only area was way too small on the magic.

However the OP loved the Wish and it has the smallest adult area

 

[MrMagoo]

My dd is looking forward to the Aquaduck. The larger ships hold nearly 4000 passengers. The Magic and Wonder only hold 2700. I can't wait to go to CC and Lookout Point with only that many people.

I hope you realize the Magic has the Aquadunk and not the Aquaduck? Or maybe you just misspelled it.
The Aquadunk is where you stand on a platform and it drops out from under you sending you down the tubes.
On the Aquaduck you sit on inner tubes and float down.

 

[MrMagoo]

Are we going to feel disappointed with the oldest Disney ship? The price was steep as it’s a Summer cruise plus stop at Lighthouse Point.

Still deciding whether it’s worth it.

EDIT: Thank you for all the lovely responses! To clarify, we loved the Wish because it was our very first Disney cruise and we’ve never experienced anything like it! We have a kindergartener and to say it was the first relaxing trip I ever had as a new parent would be an understatement.

Only you will be able to tell us after you sail if you were disappointed.
We can only advise you that you really won't be. It will only depend on your likes and dislikes.
Just go with an open mind about it and not that you will be disappointed. After all, the Wish and the Magic are basically 2 different ships and you need to experience both and then even the Dream/Fantasy to see which ships you really like the best.

I do believe you will like the Magic simply because it does not have the cramped feel we felt the Wish has. The hallways on the Magic seem bigger. And the dining rooms on the Magic are DEFINITELY not as cramped! And the Magic seems to have a better flow through the main areas that the Wish does not. But that is just our opinion.
And you will definitely like the smaller crowd from the Magic on Lighthouse point!!!!

Did your kindergartner use the kids area? That may be different. I believe the Wish does have the advantage over all Disney ships in regard to the kids area. But at that age, they will probably not even notice any difference.

As for it being the oldest Disney ship, do not worry about that. As others have said, Disney keeps their ships in top condition. They are constantly painting areas and doing some refurbishments. You will be hard pressed to find much rust on a Disney ship. It is there but hard to see. After all, it is constantly in salt water!

As for a relaxing cruise, I feel the Magic will probably feel even more relaxing than the Wish. Simply because it is smaller and easier to maneuver. Our first time on the Wish I got turned around a few times and I am not directionally challenged!

 

[European]

We just got back from the Disney Magic for a 4 night cruise over spring break. I'd say she's still worth it.

Rough spots are likely the age. We had a balcony and while clean definitely has been well used. We were in room 8012 and first day my wife noticed water in the toilet bathroom would come up out of the tiles when you stepped in a certain spot. They were on it though - came in and dried, disinfected and put down a towel. Then maintenance caulked the hole. Fixed issue until we took a shower and the source of the water was coming out of the drain (guess connected somehow to shower room and guessing water escaped as our daughters showered?). Plumber came and removed the plug and unclogged the drain. Room attendant stayed on top of disinfecting and cleaning.

Probably most annoying part was Guest Services - they sent a note in the app to go by Guest Services to ensure it was fixed (which we did) and then they left a note on the door to call (which we did) and then they called and left a message to call back (which we did) and then they dropped off two more notes on our door, at which point we stopped calling back.

Other than those two things the magic was still there. Cast members were outstanding in attitude and helpfulness (cleaning up glasses at pool deck while lounging), providing great service at the bars, kids had great time at the Edge, lines weren't insane for characters despite being spring break (other than for princesses, we elected not to do the Royal Gathering and there were waits for the individual princesses), the food was outstanding (had the best wait staff in many cruises), Palo brunch made us a believer in it again after a bad service the time before. Only regret was my lack of willpower eating all of the food. Cabanas food was the best in memory - fresh, tasty, and last day churro waffles (knowing full well I was going to brunch in a couple of hours).

Did you at least receive some gesture of apologies due to the bathroom situation?

 

[Jsoenning]

Did you at least receive some gesture of apologies due to the bathroom situation?

Yes one of the higher up officers came by twice to observe the issue and then to see the water pooled around the toilet. Our stateroom attendant was awesome anyway even without issue but he was also apologetic. Guest services was more check the box, they just never checked it…hence the multiple follow-ups.

 

[cyndiella]

I’ve only been on the sister ship, the Wonder, in 2018. I REALLY enjoyed that cruise. We are also booked on a 2024 Magic cruise in September that stops at Lighthouse Point. I’ve listened to SOOOOOOOO MANY podcasts and MANY hosts & guests love the Magic class ships. They are easy to navigate, have all been well maintained & updated, plus the lower capacity is always appreciated at the private island-less people to share resources with. I’m excited for our Magic cruise & I think you will enjoy yours too!

We just booked for Sept 9-13. Is this your cruise too?

 

[bobbiwoz]

We just booked for Sept 9-13. Is this your cruise too?

Not who you are asking, but DH and I are on this cruise!

DH and I were on the Magic in May when it sailed from San Juan to Ft Lauderdale. It had been awhile since we had been on it, and our experience was Excellent!

 

[meliscan]

I’d sail Magic over Wish every time.

I came here to day this. We were on the Magic in 2022 and have her booked for this November. She was our first Disney ship and she is still beautiful. I think your family will really enjoy it precisely because it is different from the Wish. It will feel new and exciting.

 

[Cfabar1]

we loved the wish, did it twice, was our first dcl ship...

then we tried the dream... we were blown away...

now we are choosing to drive the extra two hours south to lauderdale to give the magic a try.... my guess is it will be our favorite one yet! even without the original chandeliers....

 

[Budzooka]

Love the Magic. I have sailed on all 5 ships and she is my favorite. Only 2700 people makes a huge difference in congested areas, port days and disembarkation. Would choose it every time.

 

[Dive Bar Casanova]

There's a HUGE group of fans that will only sail the Wonder and Magic and sail on them regularly. They are unique and Disney keeps them in good shape.

 

[auntlynne]

There's a HUGE group of fans that will only sail the Wonder and Magic and sail on them regularly. They are unique and Disney keeps them in good shape.

Those loyal fans are unique - and Disney keeps them in shape thanks to a complete Promenade on a deck 4.

 

[Dive Bar Casanova]

Those loyal fans are unique - and Disney keeps them in shape thanks to a complete Promenade on a deck 4.

Good take.

 

[bnurick]

We just got back from the Disney Magic for a 4 night cruise over spring break. I'd say she's still worth it.

Rough spots are likely the age. We had a balcony and while clean definitely has been well used. We were in room 8012 and first day my wife noticed water in the toilet bathroom would come up out of the tiles when you stepped in a certain spot. They were on it though - came in and dried, disinfected and put down a towel. Then maintenance caulked the hole. Fixed issue until we took a shower and the source of the water was coming out of the drain (guess connected somehow to shower room and guessing water escaped as our daughters showered?). Plumber came and removed the plug and unclogged the drain. Room attendant stayed on top of disinfecting and cleaning.

Probably most annoying part was Guest Services - they sent a note in the app to go by Guest Services to ensure it was fixed (which we did) and then they left a note on the door to call (which we did) and then they called and left a message to call back (which we did) and then they dropped off two more notes on our door, at which point we stopped calling back.

Other than those two things the magic was still there. Cast members were outstanding in attitude and helpfulness (cleaning up glasses at pool deck while lounging), providing great service at the bars, kids had great time at the Edge, lines weren't insane for characters despite being spring break (other than for princesses, we elected not to do the Royal Gathering and there were waits for the individual princesses), the food was outstanding (had the best wait staff in many cruises), Palo brunch made us a believer in it again after a bad service the time before. Only regret was my lack of willpower eating all of the food. Cabanas food was the best in memory - fresh, tasty, and last day churro waffles (knowing full well I was going to brunch in a couple of hours).

@Jsoenning We just booked cabin 8012 on the Magic for a cruise. Can you tell me if you had any smoking smell issues from above or any noise from the bridge? I have read on other reports about smoke on the Wonder and I did not know if the bridge door was on the port, starboard or both sides. Thank you!

 

[ZerasPride]

We plan on booking the Magic for a November sailing next year when our window opens on Thursday. I am super excited!!

We are doing the six night sailing from San Juan to Galveston instead of a 4 night Wish cruise based on all the good reviews on the DIS. We do plan to try the Wish someday but believe the Magic is more our speed.

 

[mpetersen]

We just sailed the Magic in April (having been on the Dream twice as a couple, this was our first as a family). We all LOVED the Magic, especially the kids for their first ship. The size was so manageable it felt comfortable after a day, and we loved seeing familiar faces often. We are taking the kids on the Dream next August (magic isn’t an option) and we chose this over the Treasure. After lots of YouTube research on the larger ships, we all agreed smaller is for us.
I wish I was as in as good shape as the Magic given its age (albeit I’m a fair bit older ).

 

[xfiles3010]

Sailed on the Magic April 2024 Southern Caribbean Cruise. No issues with ship. I too would pick the Magic over the Wish.