The Magic and Wonder of Disney Cruise Line

We often get asked about the different ships Disney Cruise line has to offer.  With only 5 ships currently sailing, and the 6th & 7th on the way, I thought it would be good to break them down by category.

The first two ships are the oldest and smallest of the bunch.  The Magic began sailing in 1998 and the Wonder came right after in 1999.  They make up the Magic Class of Disney cruise ships.  These two sister ships carry 1,754 passengers in 875 staterooms (2,713 if we max out every room) which is a lot less compared to other cruise lines.

Even though these ships are over 20 years old, Disney does an impeccable job of keeping them fresh and interesting.  Let's break down this Magic Class for you...

If you want to know more specifics about all Disney Cruise Line has to offer check out my previous blog:
Why Choose Disney Cruise Line

Disney is known for their spectacular customer service and you will get that aplenty on these ships.  We've got Pirate Night, Fireworks at Sea, First Class entertainment, great food, Disney characters...

But we're here to highlight the differences.  Because they are so much smaller, they have a more intimate feeling.  You don't have to go far to get from one side of the ship to the other.  Both the Magic and Wonder had some amazing additions when they were renovated.

Both got the AquaDunk Waterslide!  This trapdoor waterslide was a big hit with my daughter.  You get into a standing tube, they count down and then whoosh, the floor drops out sending you sliding.

Oceaneer Club

There are some substantial differences in the kids club from ship to ship.  They're all a lot of fun, but each one has it's own themes.  Both have a special "kids only" hallway that connects the Oceaneer's Club to the Oceaneer's Lab.

Magic

Magic

Both ships have a Marvel area and a Toy Story area.  The Magic also has Pixie Hollow area and a Mickey Mouse Club while the Wonder has a Frozen area and Disney Junior area.

Loaded with activities and video games, the kids will keep themselves busy a long time.

Wonder

Wonder

Dining

Both ships have the fantastic experiences at Animator's Palate and their own more fancy dining room:  Triton's on the Wonder and Lumiere's on the Magic.

But each ship has it's own different character-themed restaurant.  The Wonder has Tiana's Place loaded with some Louisiana flair.  You get a Jazz music trio, Tiana, and Louis the gator making appearances and performing.  Have some Gumbo and celebrate Mardi Gras with Tiana.

Over on the Magic we get Rapunzel's Royal Table.  You get to celebrate Rapunzel's Birthday with the Ruffians, as they sing their song.  Later Rapunzel and Flynn Rider show up and add to the entertainment.  The Floating lanterns add a fun bit of decor to the the dining hall.

The Ruffians have a great time going table from table and messing with the guests.  There's even a desert served in a frying pan!  SO CUTE!  Plus the Bread Basket was this amazing Sun.

Back on the Disney Wonder we get a dedicated Lounge area just outside of Tiana's Place dedicated to the Streets of Louisiana.  It has some devilish flair of the Shadow man, Dr. Facilier. 

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I did feel like it was unfair that we didn't get a Tangled themed lounge, but on the Magic the Ruffians do take over the Pub and turn it into the Snuggly Duckling for a night.  It was pretty fun having drinks and trivia with these hilarious characters.

Both ships have dinner at Animator's Palate but the experience here differs from the Dream class ships.

Here the drawings on the walls come to life during dinner.  It's a colorful experience and everything in the dining rooms comes to life with color!

When there are multiple nights at Animator's Palate you get to draw your own characters and Mickey brings them to life.  These are some of my favorite experiences on Disney cruises.  You have to see them for yourselves.

All of Disney's ships have a special statue in the Atrium as well a separate theme of decor.
The Magic has Sailor Mickey and the Wonder has Ariel, the Little Mermaid.

There are a few other minor differences to the ship.  All the pubs/lounges have different names and themes.  The Splash Zones for the little kids are also slightly different with a Finding Dory themed zone on the Wonder and Donald's 3 Nephews over on the Magic.

We all know that sometimes it's the date or the itinerary that make the difference as to which cruise you choose, but sometimes it doesn't hurt to know the difference between each of the ship.

Ask Mouse O'Clock for more details about booking a Disney Cruise.  We're always here to help with all things Disney!  When it's time to plan for Disney:

It's Mouse O'Clock!