Disney Wish vs Disney Magic?

[FireflyTrance]

I’m looking to book a 3 night cruise in April for my 40th birthday. We will be also be going to WDW beforehand. My choices are a 3 night cruise on Magic that goes to Disney Lookout Cay, or a 3 night cruise on Wish that goes to Castaway Cay and Nassau. I’ve been on a few Disney cruises but I haven’t been on either Magic or Wish before. I’ve also been to Nassau a few times and would probably stay on the ship during that port. The cruise on Magic would be around $3100 vs $4600 for Wish. I know Wish is much newer and we would love to go on the Aquamouse ride, but besides that I’m just not sure it’s worth the significantly higher cost. My kids will be 6 and 12 and the younger one loves going to kids clubs, the older one probably won’t want to though.

I would love any input as I keep going back and forth wondering if Wish will actually be much better or if might have just as good a time on Magic. Thanks!

 

[Jack_Sparrow_NJ]

You really can’t go wrong with either ship. I have been on both within the last year and enjoyed them both. If you have been on Disney cruises previously I assume you have already been to Castaway. For that reason primarily I would say go on the Magic, save a few $$, and see a new destination.

 

[OKW Lover]

I'd save the money and go with the Magic cruise. That's assuming that your cost to get to Port Canaveral and Port Everglades is approximately even.

 

[FireflyTrance]

You really can’t go wrong with either ship. I have been on both within the last year and enjoyed them both. If you have been on Disney cruises previously I assume you have already been to Castaway. For that reason primarily I would say go on the Magic, save a few $$, and see a new destination.

Thanks! Yes we have been to Castaway and had a great time there. We haven’t been to Lookout Cay yet.

 

[imbelle]

The Magic and the Wish are my two favorite ships but they are opposites in a lot of areas.

The Magic is classic steamer/Art Deco design, more "nautical". The adult areas seem more spacious, lounges are clustered together, and you have the full jogging track. The Tangled show is the best DCL show IMHO. Serenity Bay on Castaway looks to be more isolated that the adult beach at Lighthouse Cay. The Magic just feels more "cozy".

The Wish has the "castle at sea" design, more white & gold "princess-y". The kids' areas are the best of any of the ships, the lounges are scattered, and the Arendelle dinner show is fun for Frozen fans. If you stay aboard the ship in Nassau, it seems like there is more to do on the Wish (Incredicourse, 2 movie theaters, Aquamouse, better non-dining room food options). The biggest complaint about Lighthouse Cay seems to be the 10 minute pier walk which may or may not be a non-issue for your party. The Wish has a bigger, grander vibe.

I would lean towards the Magic if the adult areas are more important to you and you want to save money. I would lean towards the Wish if keeping the kids entertained is more important to you (especially if your kids are into princesses) or if spending the extra $1500 is worth it to you to experience the more shiny, new ship. No doubt you and your kids will have a great time on which ever one you choose.

 

[unrequited23]

I'd save the money and go with the Magic cruise. That's assuming that your cost to get to Port Canaveral and Port Everglades is approximately even.

Don't forget the extra time as well...it would take nearly twice as long to get to Port Everglades from Orlando

 

[Dug720]

Don't forget the extra time as well...it would take nearly twice as long to get to Port Everglades from Orlando

Edit - missed the doing WDW before. You can always do the Brightline to Port Everglades - that has good reviews. OR you might be able to find a cheap flight that's an hour and fifteen minutes - pretty much the same as driving to Port Canaveral from Orlando.

For people NOT doing WDW pre-cruise, just fly into MIA or FLL. It's closer and likely cheaper (especially at Miami).

 

[auntlynne]

I’d consider the transportation from WDW to Port Everglades. It’s a 3-hour drive if you have a car. Port Canaveral is an hour drive. But you can get transfers. You can take the train to PE, but you need to get to MCO to board Brightline. It’s a matter of how well your family does being wrangled onto transportation.

If I were driving, then probably Magic.

Magic is my most-cruised ship. I feel at home here. There are no surprises. And it is very easy to get around, due to its smaller size. I enjoy Rapunzel’s Table as a dining venue. It gives what I consider Disney vibes. And having Rapunzel visit the table is fun; I don’t choose to do Meet & Greets (leaving them for kids), but this one is a feel-good moment.

If you don’t cruise often and would like to experience the Magic - remember it is 25 years old. No rumors of mothballing her, but it will happen. The Wish has several decades of opportunity for you to sail.

Magic.

I want to visit Lookout Cay. And am a big fan of CC. I think a year from now, LC will look better, as foliage grows. But now it has that new property feel - both good and bad. Buildings and loungers will still be as pristine as an ocean front can allow.

For this one, I would ask how your children would do with the more open-water beach at LC versus the protected water at the family beach at CC. And you are not guaranteed a lounger near the water at LC. You can’t necessarily watch the children on the shore while you relax.

For a family with a 6 yo, I’d say Wish and CC.

Depending on transportation, I’d pick Magic over Wish for the $ difference. It’s $500/ night for the cruise cost.

 

[semiswtkindalife]

If you don’t cruise often and would like to experience the Magic - remember it is 25 years old. No rumors of mothballing her, but it will happen. The Wish has several decades of opportunity for you to sail.

My thoughts as well.

 

[FireflyTrance]

Thanks all! Sorry I forgot to check back here but you all gave a lot of good advice. My family won’t mind the 3 hour drive. I decided to book the Magic, I think my family will be happy with it and I’ll be happy I saved a bit of money. We can always go again a year later and maybe do the Wish then. I’ve been on the Disney Wonder before and love that ship, so I am thinking I’ll probably like Magic as well.

 

[DCLMP]

I think you made the right decision. Castaway will be less crowded and honestly everything about the Magic is better than the Wish.

 

[auntlynne]

Thanks all! Sorry I forgot to check back here but you all gave a lot of good advice. My family won’t mind the 3 hour drive. I decided to book the Magic, I think my family will be happy with it and I’ll be happy I saved a bit of money. We can always go again a year later and maybe do the Wish then. I’ve been on the Disney Wonder before and love that ship, so I am thinking I’ll probably like Magic as well.

If you are comfortable / or at home on the Wonder, expect very similar on the Magic.

Have a great vacation!

 

[Cheburashka]

I've sailed on every ship, and in my opinion, the Magic is a better ship than the Wish.