I thought you decided on December 2020 4 night Magic stateroom 1079?
I thought the same thing.
I am partial to the Magic. For my first sailing after a five-year health hiatus, I was considering a three night Dream Cruise with two stops at Castaway Cay. (I love Castaway Cay). I realized three nights is like getting on the boat and before you know it, you’re off. And with no sea days, there would be little time to enjoy the expensive ship. And then there is the ship. The Dream and Fantasy just aren’t my cup of tea. I find things I complain about - and yet none of the ships are that different. But I do like the coziness of the smaller ships. It might be that I spent 25 nights straight on the Magic (you would have loved the price).
I notice you stay at the price-friendly WDW resorts and mention pricing. Let that be your guide. Spending more isn’t going to make your first cruise significantly better. Get the room with the upper berth for your daughter. It costs nothing and will be something fun she can do while she’s young.
Take a good look at airfare to the MCO, MIA, and FLL + ground transportation. Early December can be great cost-wise. If you like an air carrier and price is close, go with one you know and trust. Some of the budget ones probably have earned their poor reputations.
There are plenty of hotels near the Orlando airport with free shuttles. Renting a car one way to the port usually does not have the added one-way surcharge and offer a ride to the ship from the rental office. I sailed
DCL out of Miami and took a shuttle from FLL. It was a shorter ride than MCO to Port Canaveral.
Your food (and cabin) are going to be about the same on any of the ships. Only one restaurant serves a different menu on one night.
Will your daughter use the kids clubs? That might be something that varies from the smaller to bigger ships. I don’t travel with kids, so I’m out of that loop. Outdoor be a deciding factor.
Does any one cruise / ship call out to you more? Go with your gut. Hope you pick one you like.
And then let us know what you chose.
. There’s nothing like vicarious travel (and planning). I’m already reading the menu for next November’s Magic Cruise.