Magic Compared to Wonder

[jamiepierce1]

We were recently on the Magic and thought the rooms and all areas of the boat felt very new given the extensive refurb. How does this compare to the Wonder since the ship is the same age but hasn't had the extensive refurb? Could those who have been on both recently please comment? Thanks

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

We were recently on the Magic and thought the rooms and all areas of the boat felt very new given the extensive refurb. How does this compare to the Wonder since the ship is the same age but hasn't had the extensive refurb? Could those who have been on both recently please comment? Thanks

Yes Magic upgraded a refurbishment but the Wonder is still very good. Magic now has better slides better pools and a second show animation magic in animators palate. Room wise both are generally the same. Magic has Cabanas like the newer ships wonder still has the old style beach blanket Buffett.

 

[Quellman]

We were recently on the Magic and thought the rooms and all areas of the boat felt very new given the extensive refurb. How does this compare to the Wonder since the ship is the same age but hasn't had the extensive refurb? Could those who have been on both recently please comment? Thanks

The wonder is just finishing up the room refurb, so you will see much of the same newness in those private areas. The Wonder is just missing the rest of the ship refurb.

 

[thumpie's mom]

The Wonder is a beautiful ship and still in excellent condition!

 

[tnshsms]

I like this question because we too just got off the Magic in May and have plans to go on the Wonder to Alaska next May. I'm interested to hear what others might say about the two.

 

[redsonja76]

The Wonder was quite beautiful when we went on it last November. Such a lovely ship!

 

[tidefan]

Yes Magic upgraded a refurbishment but the Wonder is still very good. Magic now has better slides better pools and a second show animation magic in animators palate. Room wise both are generally the same. Magic has Cabanas like the newer ships wonder still has the old style beach blanket Buffett.

One other big difference is that the Magic has upgraded to D Lounge and the Wonder still has the old Studio Sea.

 

[jrabbit]

Shutters has been upgraded to the "Library" format instead of "Pictures on the walls"

No problems on the Wonder - DCL does a good job with the upkeep.

Pros for the Magic
Food in Carioca's
Aqua Dunk
Twist and Spout
Animators Palate

Pros for the Wonder
WaveBands
Beach Blanket
Atrium (the Chihuly and double staircase)
"Secret" deck 7 & 8
Outlook Cafe

 

[ktate82]

We loved the Wonder and had the best dining service there over any of the other ships. It does show a bit more aged, but nothing that strongly stood out to us. The spa was wonderful, our room was very nice (this was before the room refurb), and the ship was beautiful. I wouldn't hesitate to go again anytime.

 

[mom4fun]

The wonder is just finishing up the room refurb, so you will see much of the same newness in those private areas. The Wonder is just missing the rest of the ship refurb.

We were on the Wonder last month. All rooms were finished by end of last April.

 

[Bill B.]

We loved the Wonder and had the best dining service there over any of the other ships.

Boy we had just the opposite experience on the Wonder a couple weeks ago. The food and dining service were both very subpar for Disney. Our room was just like it came out of the box. Very, very nice. And our stateroom host was just as good as we've ever had. Our first time in a Navigator and I think it was the right choice for Alaska. The verandah is very sheltered from the cold wind and rain.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

All the DCL vessels are maintianed to a high degree of excellence.

All the vessels are biult to the style and class of the great liners of the first part of the 20th centuryI Especailly the classics, the Magic and Wonder.

As many of the above.posters noted the Wonder is in great condition.

AKK

 

[castmbr]

Shutters has been upgraded to the "Library" format instead of "Pictures on the walls"

No problems on the Wonder - DCL does a good job with the upkeep.

Pros for the Magic
Food in Carioca's
Aqua Dunk
Twist and Spout
Animators Palate

Pros for the Wonder
WaveBands
Beach Blanket
Atrium (the Chihuly and double staircase)
"Secret" deck 7 & 8
Outlook Cafe

What is secret deck 7 & 8?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

What is secret deck 7 & 8?

A little deck at the aft of deck 7. It went away (on the Magic) during her reimagining.

 

[tidefan]

Shutters has been upgraded to the "Library" format instead of "Pictures on the walls"

No problems on the Wonder - DCL does a good job with the upkeep.

Pros for the Magic
Food in Carioca's
Aqua Dunk
Twist and Spout
Animators Palate

Pros for the Wonder
WaveBands
Beach Blanket
Atrium (the Chihuly and double staircase)
"Secret" deck 7 & 8
Outlook Cafe

We found Cabanas to be much better than Beach Blanket, especially the selection.

 

[Flossbolna]

My first two cruises were on the Wonder, then I was on the Fantasy. I was a bit scared going back to a classic ship, but just recently got off the Magic. I absolutely loved her. I was wondering whether this was because of the refurbishment and whether I would still enjoy the Wonder. And I came to the conclusion that the areas that were refurbished (not counting the kids clubs as I am not travelling with kids) on the Magic all still are in great shape on the Wonder. Somehow the decor of Route 66 and of Beach Blanket Buffet held up much better. The only difference is the atrium, which I actually loved on the refurbished Magic, and Animatore Palette. However, I like the one on the Wonder well enough that that would not make a huge difference to me.

 

[MommyMeNDisney]

Boy we had just the opposite experience on the Wonder a couple weeks ago. The food and dining service were both very subpar for Disney. Our room was just like it came out of the box. Very, very nice. And our stateroom host was just as good as we've ever had. Our first time in a Navigator and I think it was the right choice for Alaska. The verandah is very sheltered from the cold wind and rain.

Did you have to stand up (inside the stateroom) or go out on the verandah to see the whales, dolphins, etc? I'm getting ready to book our Alaska cruise and I specifically asked our TA for a quote for a room with a verandah WITHOUT the white wall obstructing our view when we're sitting inside on the couch. I like what you said about the navigator's view blocking the wind, but I'm concerned about it blocking our view whenever we want to stay inside our warm cabin enjoying the view.

Was that an issue for you (only being able to enjoy the view when standing inside the room or when sitting on the verandah)?

 

[Bill B.]

Did you have to stand up (inside the stateroom) or go out on the verandah to see the whales, dolphins, etc? I'm getting ready to book our Alaska cruise and I specifically asked our TA for a quote for a room with a verandah WITHOUT the white wall obstructing our view when we're sitting inside on the couch. I like what you said about the navigator's view blocking the wind, but I'm concerned about it blocking our view whenever we want to stay inside our warm cabin enjoying the view.

Was that an issue for you (only being able to enjoy the view when standing inside the room or when sitting on the verandah)?

I actually did more standing than sitting. If you're sitting next to the rail your view is not obstructed but if you're in the middle of the bench I'm sure you would have to stand up to see anything very close to the ship. I did a pretty thorough review of our room which may help you. By the way this type of verandah is better for the weather part of Alaska for sure but if you're like everybody else except us it will be 80 and sunny (we got 50 and rain) and it won't matter. Here is where the room review is located
http://www.disboards.com/threads/review-of-stateroom-6138-disney-wonder.3418551/#post-53832576

 

[MommyMeNDisney]

I actually did more standing than sitting. If you're sitting next to the rail your view is not obstructed but if you're in the middle of the bench I'm sure you would have to stand up to see anything very close to the ship. I did a pretty thorough review of our room which may help you. By the way this type of verandah is better for the weather part of Alaska for sure but if you're like everybody else except us it will be 80 and sunny (we got 50 and rain) and it won't matter. Here is where the room review is located
http://www.disboards.com/threads/review-of-stateroom-6138-disney-wonder.3418551/#post-53832576

Thx for replying. Yesterday, I had my TA book us for a verandah without the white wall. Super excited to be going to Alaska!

 

[mmmears]

I think you made the right choice. If you want to see the sights while sitting inside the room then you need the clear wall. My DM has mobility issues and spent a good deal of the Tracy Arm day sitting on the sofa in our room while watching the scenery. This way she didn't have to stand the entire time, just when she wanted to.