Boarding the ship
Everyone who sails needs to be double vaccinated and children a required to take PCR tests a few days before they sail. When you arrive at the port you will be required to take a lateral flow test before cruising.
Once you receive your negative Covid results you are free to board the Disney Magic ship. As you board each family or passenger is announced while Mickey and Minnie are waiting on the main staircase to greet you to add to the Disney magic.
Make sure to listen out for the iconic first seven notes of the ‘When You Wish Upon a Star’ song melody as the ship horn signals to let you know it’s leaving the port.
The Staterooms
Staterooms vary in size and style depending on which type you choose to book. We recommend the Deluxe Oceanview with Veranda. These rooms are a great size with a large double comfy bed and a sofa bed which transforms into bunkbeds, so the cabin comfortably sleeps a family of four and there is also a curtain to divide the room. The cabins have a split bathroom- with a bath/shower and sink in one room and a toilet and sink in the other which is a great help when everyone is trying to get ready!
The veranda makes the cabin that little bit extra special and great for catching the golden hour in the evening and you may get lucky and spot a dolphin or two!
What to do!
Where do we start! There is so much to do on board you may find you struggle to fit it all in!
The Oceaneer’s Club and Lab are the kids club suitable for children aged three to twelve and probably the greatest kids club they will every experience! There is so much to do which is split across two rooms. Our favourite room is Andy’s room, the larger-than-life playground from Toy Story which features a fun slide and different characters pop in during each session. The sessions are included in the price of the cruise but do need to be booked in advance via the Disney cruise navigator app. Edge and Vibe are the clubs for older children aged up to 17 to hang out.
Meet and greets with the beloved characters whilst on board are very popular and are all socially distanced. The main place to see the characters is the atrium and they also make appearances on the promenade on deck 4 and at the Buena Vista theatre and Walt Disney theatre. You will have the chance to see some of your favourites including the Disney Princess’ and some of the popular Marvel heroes.
Throughout the day there is lots going on and the cruise navigator app (which you download when you check in) tells you where these activities are happening and what to expect. The D Lounge always has loads to get involved in from Mouseketeer Madness Gameshow to training to be a new green army soldier and get involved with the Marvel quiz!
Make sure you make a splash at Goofy’s pool deck and play in the Aqua Lab water playground and if you’re brave enough, we suggest you take a ride on the Aqua Dunk flume, it’s not for the faint hearted although there is the slightly calmer option of the Twist’n’ Spout flume which is also lots of fun. There is also an adult only section on the ship which has a great pool which tends to be quieter than the kids pool and there are also two Jacuzzi’s in this section. We also love the huge outside screen which has Disney movie favourites showing throughout the day.
The shows
Who doesn’t love a Disney show and make sure you watch both the West-end style family shows in the Walt Disney Theatre Both the Disney Dreams and Rapunzel shows are unbelievable from start to finish and will have you singing and bopping along
Freezing the Night Away is the on-deck show and it’s so much fun featuring Anna, Elsa and Olaf and before you know it you will singing along and enjoying the snow falling!
Food Glorious Food
Disney cruise ship dining is exceptional and the atmosphere in the restaurants is amazing. There is a rotational dining system in place so you get to experience all the restaurants whilst on board. Your server moves to each restaurant with you which is a great idea as they get to know what everyone likes.
Animator’s Palate is a fun restaurant, and everyone gets asked to draw a picture, we won’t spoil the surprise but we will say it’s such a fun and interactive experience! Rapunzel’s Royal table is probably our favourite restaurant on the ship, make sure you order the melt in your mouth steak and enjoy the mini shows whilst you tuck in. This restaurant is so pretty with lanterns hanging everywhere.
Palo is the Italian fine dining adults only option and you won’t be disappointed with anything you order. We recommend the Chocolate Fondant Cake for dessert!
Lumiere’s is the Beauty and the Beast themed restaurant and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
There is also the option of a buffet style breakfast or lunch at Cabana’s but due to enhanced hygiene requirements, the buffet isn’t self-service now although you are free to visit as many times as you choose to sample all the delicious offerings! There are also quick service dining options on deck offering tasty options like chicken tenders, hamburgers, and pizzas.
Booking
There is still time to book with sailings from Newcastle and Tilbury ending early October 2021. Enjoy a 3-night UK staycation sailing on ‘Disney Magic’ from £598 per person departing London Tilbury based on a cruise departing on 17 September 2021. The brand-new, limited time sailings provide guests the opportunity to experience the magic of Disney Cruise Line close to home. To book online visit Disneycruise.co.uk or telephone on 0800 171 2317 or contact your travel agent.
Prices are per person based on 2 adults and 2 children (aged 3-12) travelling and sharing a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom. The price includes full board meals, inclusive entertainment on board, taxes, fees and port charges. Costs for additional services and experiences on board and Covid testing will apply. All prices are subject to change depending on time of booking. Other prices may be offered depending on your selection. The example price is correct as of the time of this publication.