First Disney Cruise--4 day Magic or Wish?

[LeeLee'sMom]

Hi there, looking to see if any advice, words of wisdom etc about our First Disney Cruise. We have been to WDW countless times as recent as last August, and was almost going back to the world again this year. We decided to do a Disney cruise, myself and 17 yo DD. We have cruised other lines before but never Disney. We are looking to do a 4 day cruise and I can't decide to do our first on the Magic or Wish? Leaning towards Magic as it seems from reviews is a smaller ship easier to navigate in 4 days, also the price is cheaper so that's a plus. OTOH, Wish is new and shiny but may be "too" much for a short stent. Any opinions or thoughts I would appreciate greatly. Excited to start the planning soon.

 

[Pixarfans]

Both are great. Factors like timing and cost I think are most important. I would compare shows and the dinning rooms. Which ever has more that you like (and at the right time and price) go for it. For example my family loves marvel so the wish was a must do (twice!).

 

[FastPasser.]

Not clear what you mean by "too much for a short stint" but putting the cost aside, I'd go with the Wish because it is shiny and new. Regarding some of the reviews, none of the issues raised rise to the level of being a deal breaker for me. I have sailed on both the Wish and Magic.

 

[dcassetta]

There are a variety of reasons for going on a Disney cruise instead of a different cruise line, and one of them is the production shows. The Magic shows are better than the Wish, so I think that gives them a heads up. I also prefer the Magic dining rooms to the ones on the Wish. If both cruises are visiting, Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, the visit on the Magic will mean a less crowded visit. Does the location the ships are sailing from matter in your decision?

 

[Budzooka]

Haven’t been on the Wish yet (sail in May) but love love love the Magic. Really enjoy the smaller ship and ease to get around.

 

[Marthasor]

I have been on all of the DCL ships except the Wonder - I would do the Magic for your first DCL cruise. The Wish is large, confusing and crowded. We much preferred the smaller ship.

 

[auntlynne]

 

[Flossbolna]

If you think your daughter might be interested in the teen club, the one on the Magic will most likely have a smaller group of kids as there are less passengers on board. Some teens might prefer that to a large group.

 

[kiford]

It kind of depends on whether you like the more modern technological flashy stuff (Wish) or a more classic experience (Magic). Whether you like larger (Wish) or more intimate (Magic). Staterooms are larger with better storage on Magic than on Wish. Adult only area on Magic is way better than on Wish as is the Cove Cafe. We didn't spend much time at the other pools on the Wish so it's hard to say which is better - I think there's pros and cons to both designs with respect to non-adult pools.

I generally prefer smaller ships since the embarkation and disembarkation are easier with fewer people but you can manage that by picking your timing and I think Disney does a good job of trying to keep it from being too much of a circus. Normally I would be considering size of the ship when it comes to ports because of tenders or just not being able to visit certain places but for a four-day, it's not an issue.

I really liked Arendelle's show and the way that both 1923 and the Marvel restaurant were cut into smaller rooms giving it a more intimate feel. But I also love Animator's Palate on the Magic. I think Cabanas is a better design than Marcelline Market with more options but there's quieter spaces to eat at Marcelline Market. Everybody raves about Mickey's Festival of Food on the Wish but I far preferred the options on the Magic.

I liked some of the bars and lounges on the Wish better than the Magic and I preferred that they were not all grouped in one area like they are on the Magic. I like that the design of the Magic is a little less Disney IP in your face than the Wish. But if you like Disney the in-your-face stuff can be fun too. Arendelle was so well done, including the hallway leading up to the restaurant which really made you feel like you were in the movie.

The Magic remains our favourite ship but if I was to pick - today - which ship to go on and it was not about itinerary, I'd probably flip a coin. If you've never been on either, pick based whatever is most important to you - cost, timing, size, coin flip. Both have their own magic and are both really lovely and fun.

 

[Alicatt]

I would recommend watching YouTube tours of each and seeing what the offerings are and what appeals to you. I've not been on the Magic but I absolutely loved the Wish. I enjoy big ships though and the Magic certainly has many loyal fans.

 

[0FF TO NEVERLAND]

Start with the wish. A lot of people have issues with the Wish because they sailed on all the other Disney Ships first and some prefer those instead.

I would start with the newest ship, and then try the other ones to get an idea of how the ships of the past use to be

 

[lilmc]

I def vote the Magic. Vibe is a much better layout on that ship. It is very rectangular on the Wish which inherently promotes cliques and not cohesiveness according to my teens.

 

[bbn1122]

The Wish is gorgeous. I loved it, but it so different from the Magic and I love me some Magic.
I have sailed on the Dream and Magic, as well as, the Wish last fall.

I think if you do the Wish first, the Magic and Wonder, may seem under whelming, but that’s just my opinion.

I thought the Wish was super special. I had no problems with its layout, except for the elevators. I really like how the lounges were spread out. I can’t wait for the Treasure.

I am sure, price wise the Magic is more budget friendly. I think either choice would be fine. But the larger ships offer a lot more perks. Eg. Dream & Fantasy, have mini golf and ice cream shop, plus Remys.

Good luck with your decision. Going on my 9th cruise this fall on the Dream out of NYC!

 

[JM_97]

Hi there, looking to see if any advice, words of wisdom etc about our First Disney Cruise. We have been to WDW countless times as recent as last August, and was almost going back to the world again this year. We decided to do a Disney cruise, myself and 17 yo DD. We have cruised other lines before but never Disney. We are looking to do a 4 day cruise and I can't decide to do our first on the Magic or Wish? Leaning towards Magic as it seems from reviews is a smaller ship easier to navigate in 4 days, also the price is cheaper so that's a plus. OTOH, Wish is new and shiny but may be "too" much for a short stent. Any opinions or thoughts I would appreciate greatly. Excited to start the planning soon.

What is the itinerary for the Magic? In general, I'd pick the Magic over the Wish but was curious if the itinerary different than a 4 night Bahamas on the Wish (since that's the only 4 night she does).

 

[LeeLee'sMom]

Not clear what you mean by "too much for a short stint" but putting the cost aside, I'd go with the Wish because it is shiny and new. Regarding some of the reviews, none of the issues raised rise to the level of being a deal breaker for me. I have sailed on both the Wish and Magic.

Oh, I meant the size of the ship is "too much to explore, get to know the layout". thanks

 

[LeeLee'sMom]

There are a variety of reasons for going on a Disney cruise instead of a different cruise line, and one of them is the production shows. The Magic shows are better than the Wish, so I think that gives them a heads up. I also prefer the Magic dining rooms to the ones on the Wish. If both cruises are visiting, Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, the visit on the Magic will mean a less crowded visit. Does the location the ships are sailing from matter in your decision?

They both are going to Castaway Cay & Nassau. Think I may choose the Magic, for size and price

 

[LeeLee'sMom]

What is the itinerary for the Magic? In general, I'd pick the Magic over the Wish but was curious if the itinerary different than a 4 night Bahamas on the Wish (since that's the only 4 night she does).

Yes going to Castaway and Nassau. Think I may go for the Magic for our first sailing. Thank you

 

[JM_97]

Yes going to Castaway and Nassau. Think I may go for the Magic for our first sailing. Thank you

Very nice. 4 nights is a good length to dip your toes in, if you will. And the Magic is a good ship.