Magic - What's "new"?

[kathi]

We are sailing on the Magic out of NYC to Canada in 20 days. We have not sailed on her since 2012 before the retrofit. What should we look for? What were you happy to see change? What not so much? One thing I hope happened was a refresh of the Rainforest Room - it was in poor repair when last we sailed. Let me know what you love and what you miss.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We are sailing on the Magic out of NYC to Canada in 20 days. We have not sailed on her since 2012 before the retrofit. What should we look for? What were you happy to see change? What not so much? One thing I hope happened was a refresh of the Rainforest Room - it was in poor repair when last we sailed. Let me know what you love and what you miss.

I miss the "old" atrium. And Parrot Cay.

 

[Bear3412]

CL lounge.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

CL lounge.

"Like" or "dislike"?

 

[dcassetta]

I miss the old atrium too. And I miss the chandelier. However, I did like the change they made to Parrot Cay, Carioca's is is excellent and I enjoy the menu there very much. In addition, you'll now get to see the best show on any Disney Cruise line ship, Tangled.

 

[mmouse37]

I dislike Carioca's decor and menu but very much looking forward to seeing Tangled!!!

MJ

 

[Bear3412]

"Like" or "dislike"?

I now see your point.

Well the smiley face usually indicates the affirmative, does it not

We like having the CL lounge available aboard the Magic.

Most everyone feels for others who lost space and services aboard.
This process has been occurring for years, as most here have noted.
Many may be surprised that .... most all are sympathetic to each position.

We have all sacrificed throughout recent years regardless of cruise line or cabin unfortunately.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Well the smiley face usually indicates the affirmative, does it not

Unless you're trying to be funny.

 

[Bear3412]

Unless you're trying to be funny.

Do my previous posts in this thread sound funny or sarcastic? WTH
When I post sarcastic or funny posts I know to use " , , , , " , or perhaps even " " in rare circumstances. Did you see any of those?

Did I miss something?

I don't feel the basic, standard " " is worthy of humor nor sarcasm, IMO.
Although I could see how it may be misinterpreted.

Can we all possibly agree to leave one emoji to stand alone in it's meaning?

OMG

 

[anricat]

What is it about the new atrium you dislike, Shmoo? We've only sailed the Magic post-dry dock and the Wonder pre-dry dock and I really like the removal of the second staircase. I think it makes a lot of (much-needed) space in the atrium. It opens the place up. I also like the location of the Mickey statue - it's much better for picture taking. We were so sad that our formal staircase photos on the Wonder didn't include Ariel but instead were over to the side.

I will say that the Chihuly is awesome. I hate the new chandelier on the Magic.

 

[anricat]

Do my previous posts in this thread sound funny or sarcastic? WTH
When I post sarcastic or funny posts I know to use " , , , , " , or perhaps even " " in rare circumstances. Did you see any of those?

Did I miss something?

For some, the addition of the CL is a sore spot so, in all fairness to Shmoo, you could have been sort of stirring the pot a bit? It's hard to tell sometimes digitally what people mean.

I wasn't exactly sure what you meant by it, but I understand now. Thanks for elaborating.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

What is it about the new atrium you dislike, Shmoo? We've only sailed the Magic post-dry dock and the Wonder pre-dry dock and I really like the removal of the second staircase. I think it makes a lot of (much-needed) space in the atrium. It opens the place up. I also like the location of the Mickey statue - it's much better for picture taking. We were so sad that our formal staircase photos on the Wonder didn't include Ariel but instead were over to the side.

I will say that the Chihuly is awesome. I hate the new chandelier on the Magic.

It just feels a bit too muted (not sure that's the right word), compared to what I was used to. The subtlety of the ocean/beach themeing seems too understated. I never would have seen it if it hadn't been pointed out to me that was what DCL was doing.

And, I agree, I really don't like the lighting (can't really call it a chandelier) there now. I like the symmetry of the two staircases. The single staircase on the Dream class ships works because it was designed that way, with a large swooping feel. Removing one of two symmettrical staircases on the Magic makes the one that's left feel unmatched.

And you have to walk across to the "other" side to go downstairs now.

When Mickey was in the middle of the two staircases, I've seen them block off half of the lower part to use it for photo shoots.

 

[kathi]

Thanks everyone! What are the changes to the buffet? Is it set up like the Dream/Fantasy now with the "pods"? How about Palo? Any changes? What are your thoughts about the new lounges? Can anyone confirm if the Rainforest Room has been refreshed? It was in pretty sad shape in 2012 when we last sailed.

 

[Flossbolna]

Can anyone confirm if the Rainforest Room has been refreshed? It was in pretty sad shape in 2012 when we last sailed.

The Rainforest Room has not been refurbished. When we were on the Magic in 2015 it was still the same design that I knew from the non-refurbished Wonder. However, it was in an ok shape, everything was functional.

 

[cgolf]

I really like the new atrium and the new chandelier. In my opinion the old one was an eyesore, a very unique one at that. I miss the old buffet, I have never been a fan of the pods, people seem to just get lost for some reason with the pods. We actually enjoyed Carioca's, the food was good and the decor wasn't that bad either. The rainforest room on the Magic is nice, but a little of a let down after having used the one on the Fantasy for a week, if you have never used the one on the Dream class ships you will love it. The AquaDunk is a lot of fun, very short but a lot of fun. Don't wait in long lines to go on it, you should be able to find times where there is little to no lines.

As for the CL I think it was great that they added it, even though we will likely never use it. We did Concierge twice on the Fantasy and the lounge definitely helped us justify the price. The only thing that I found a little off was the CL sun deck overlooking the adult pool, not sure that would be the view I would have wanted, but overall it really doesn't appear to take up much space. The new kids spaces are really cool, especially Andy's room and the Avengers themed area.

We also thought that the splash pad area was very well placed, on the Dream class we rarely saw this area used, but on the Magic with it being next to the smallest pool it was almost always in use by at least 1 family.

 

[cgolf]

We are sailing on the Magic out of NYC to Canada in 20 days. We have not sailed on her since 2012 before the retrofit. What should we look for? What were you happy to see change? What not so much? One thing I hope happened was a refresh of the Rainforest Room - it was in poor repair when last we sailed. Let me know what you love and what you miss.

One thing that I can say for sure is that she is still the Magic that many of us love. While we can debate about whether or not we like some parts of the facelift or not, the bones of the ship that draw us back are still there. I was concerned along with DD that the ship would feel different now, but we all felt it was the same old Magic, it didn't feel like a different ship

 

[Trera]

Love the Magic. I think it is just as good as ever.

 

[kiford]

I like that they got rid of the Chihuly chandelier. I hated it - it was so ugly. Unfortunately, I think the new lights are under sized for the space.

I prefer the more open atrium with only one staircase.

I was expecting a bit more in the way of change from Parrot Cay to Carioca's. Basically, they took out the parrots, replaced the lights and painted the original trimwork white. I didn't hate Parrot Cay the way many people did but I don't have any strong feelings for or against Carioca either.

There are areas covered by canopies on the uppermost deck which are really nice. They should have thought of that earlier.

The buffet is now Cabanas. I find it highly chaotic and prefer the old set up. They no longer have trays which is very annoying. You can only carry one plate, find a table, put your plate down and make sure that you have a companion who can prevent the servers from taking your plate away while you get a drink. I do like that they have cutlery and napkins at each table. I also like that the drink area is in the seating area so you don't get in people's way when you refill.

I like that the KTTW card no longer needs to be inserted or swiped but just tapped.

I never got the chance to try the AquaDunk on our last cruise because it was too cold (Northern European) but it looked like fun.

What was Rockin' Bar D has been renamed to Fathoms and the lighting changed to these really cool ceiling lights that look like jellyfish. The sports bar is now O'Gills. I never got the chance to go there last cruise but although it's still sort of a sports bar, it's more Irish themed. They had bands playing Irish music last time. I don't really know why I didn't make it there because I'm a big fan of Irish music but I plan to make sure to hit it next time.

All in all, I was happy with the changes.

 

[gismo1554]

Thanks everyone! What are the changes to the buffet? Is it set up like the Dream/Fantasy now with the "pods"? How about Palo? Any changes? What are your thoughts about the new lounges? Can anyone confirm if the Rainforest Room has been refreshed? It was in pretty sad shape in 2012 when we last sailed.

Yes the buffet now has the pod like system and has new decor (finding nemo)

Palo hasn't changed but I think recently the brunch now has a menu and no gorgonzola pizza

The new adult area I liked - seemed fresher. Also Studio D look a lot more adult than previously. I don't like the soft play area in the Promanade lounge as it meant a lot of kids running in and out while their parents sat in the bar which was a pain. I think the idea is parents supervise kids in there but not on my last cruise.

No refresh on the rainforest! I think they may have redone the tiling

The things I remember that changed were:

1. one side of the stairs in the Atrium was removed - which I like but less space for Characters to stand during the goodbye thing
2. the chandelier was replace - personally prefer the old one
3. the computers in Promanade were replaced with a soft play area
4. conceirge lounge replaced Outlook bar
5. bibbidi bobidy boutique (can't spell) opened on deck 11 (they used a space previously empty I think)
6. shops were renamed and redecorated
7. nursery was renamed and redecorated
8. buffet had the pod stations installed and was redecorated (and possibly renamed) - I went on first post dry dock cruise and this was chaotic but not sure if it was just no one got the new system. I got huffed at for skipping a pop by someone who then informed me the queue started at the door. I pointed out that it was a pod situation and quickly grabbed my items and left.
9. Cariocas was created from Parrot Cay - personally think the decoration is so much nicer now but the menu is still just OK
10. a couple of shade canopes put in on deck 10 over the sunbed areas - nice if you want shade
11. After Hours area appeared consisting of O'gills (Irish pub theme which is nice and inviting), Fathoms (blue jellyfish are pretty cute) and Keys (Sessions just with a make over)
12. new door entry where you just swipe your key to the word card rather than inserting it (so much easier if hands are full)
13. Aqua dunk was installed
14. Aqua lab water area and the other slide (twist and spout) were added to replace the Mickey pool
15. loads of wiring and piping was replaced - and was still leaking on the first cruise
16. Marvels academy was added into the Oceanears club I think in dry dock - you can become Iron Man which is pretty cool
17. Edge kids club moved from floor 2 into the space that the arcade occupied on deck 9
18. Animators Palate got enhanced so now matches up with some of the other ships in having the Draw the Magic experience - which I like

Anyway I'm sure there was a lot more I can't remember but these were the things I noticed.

 

[clten]

Personally, the only change in spaces that I don't like was the atrium, everything else I've adapted to. To me the atrium should be a great entry way onto the ship and a grand gathering place. Removing the staircase and moving the Mickey statue served to make it a better place for photographers to set up. (It's a real pet peeve that they often block the entrance to Lumiere's for photos. Everyone should be able to use the main entrance of that restaurant to come and go as they please.) If they wanted to replace the chandelier, it should have been replaced with something of suitable size for the area. To me the atrium is now just a big photo studio put in a very busy area of the ship.

The other change that I don't like was in Cabanas. I preferred the other set up just for crowd control purposes. I'm not sure how many times I have been at a pod waiting for someone to finish with the serving spoon for something and someone swoops in and grabs it because "there's no waiting". (I did the math, 6 scrambled egg stations, 2000 guests, at some point, someone has to wait at least a little while.) The other peeve is that the silverware and napkins are right on the table. The people who like this have obviously not watched others at breakfast as we have. In one 45 minute period (really wished I had the GoPro with me), we have watched little kids spit food onto the napkins (talking while eating) and dad just wipe the food particles off with his used napkin, the napkin holder be moved to the floor to make space on the table and then get kicked around, all the napkins get handled because mom has to get little Joey a blue napkin and best of all an older kid who should know better sneeze all over the napkins left in the holder. Next family walking up would have no idea and wouldn't know where they caught that cold either. Enjoy the convenience of having the napkins waiting for you at the table!