The Disney Magic AquaDunk

There are some big changes coming to the Disney Magic Cruise Ship when she goes into dry dock this September. She will emerge from dry dock on October 10th 2013 with some pretty fancy upgrades.

“We have always been committed to reinvesting in our fleet and continuously making shipboard enhancements that elevate the guest experience,” said Karl L. Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line. “What we’re doing with the Disney Magic is yet another step forward in our commitment to delivering the absolute best family vacations at sea.”

All pictures are by Disney Cruises

The Disney Magic Cruise Ship AquaDunk

Dare you ride the Disney Magic AquaDunk?

This is perhaps going to be one of the most popular improvements. The AquaDunk is for the thrill seeking ones! It is a three-story body slide which begins with a near-vertical drop. The water ride is not quite the AquaDuck of the new ships but this one provides it’s thrills with a similar idea, and sends guests on an exhilarating ride in a translucent tube that extends 20 feet over the side of the ship.

Not sure I will personally be trying that one, but I am sure the rest of the family will! Looks like the height requirement will be 48″ so this is not for the very young ones.

The younger members of the family will enjoy Twist n’ Spout which is the new version of the Mickey Slide. The whole kids pool area is getting a makeover and will be known as The AquaLab. The height requirement for Twist n’ Spout is to be between 38 and 64 inches tall.

The smallest members of the family (the under 3′s) are not forgotten. They will get the newly imagined Nephew’s Splash Zone which is going to be similar to Nemo’s Reef on the larger ships.

Disney Magic Cruise Ship Restaurant Changes

Thank goodness that Parrot Cay is getting a makeover. In fact a complete redesign as it will soon be remained and called Carioca’s. This is a brand new concept inspired by the culture of Brazil. I have long since felt that Parrot Cay was just not special enough or Disney enough but I am sure the redesign will turn it into something great.

Just like Parrot Cay the Caioca’s restaurant will be used for lunch and dinner. It will have a different feel in the evening when it will be transformed with different lighting.

The basic design of Animator’s Palate will not change but it will be updated with new HD screens and audio system. There will be new characters and scenes on the walls which transform from black and white to color during the meal.

The most exciting addition is Animation Magic which up to now has only been found on the new Disney ships. You draw your own character on a place mat and it will be transformed into an animation at the end of the meal.

There are changes for Topsider Buffet too. A much needed expansion will take place increasing the space to 9,460 square feet giving a total of 455 air conditioned seats. This is adding almost 3,400 square feet. The theme is going to be like the buffet on the Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream. The remodel will increase the usable space by nearly 3,400 square feet to more than 9,460 square feet for a total of 455 air conditioned seats.

This is welcome news. Usually there is no problem finding a seat on the Disney Magic or Wonder buffets so the expanded space should make it seem even more spacious. It will be interesting to see how they are going to achieve this as I admit that it isn’t too clear from the impressions.

Palo is also getting a make over in decoration with a Venice theme. It doesn’t look as though too much is changing apart from a new fresh look and of course those very distinctive red and yellow stride poles which are seen on the Grand Canal in Venice.

There are some minor changes to the quick service venues on Deck 9. A name change for Pluto’s Dog House to become Pete’s Boiler Bites. Goofy’s Galley gets a more feminine touch and will transform into Daisy’s De-Lites. For some reason there is no change to Pinocchio’s Pizzeria.

Studio C is thankfully getting a make over. A name change to D-Lounge and some more stylish decoration. Let’s hope that the chairs are more comfortable than in Studio C!

Disney Magic Kids Clubs

The Disney Magic Oceaneer Lab for 3 to 12 year olds is getting the biggest make over. This new Andy’s Room from Toy Story is sure to be a big hit. There is also going to be a brand new Mickey Mouse Club themed area, as well as Pixie Hollow.

One of the more surprising changes is the introduction of the first Marvel themed area on a Disney Cruise Ship. The Marvel Avengers’ Academy is the first of it’s kind and will allow kids to use technology to become a crime fighter just like in the movie The Avengers.

The Oceaneer Club is also undergoing some changes. Not too much was detailed here but there will be a Pirates of the Caribbean theme in one of the spaces.

Nothing new was announced for the teens but we would guess that the teen space will also undergo some kind of update.

The nursery for the under 3s will be redesigned with a bold and colorful It’s A Small World theme.

Disney Magic Cruise Ship New Staterooms

The staterooms on the Disney Magic ship are also getting a make over. As well as new decor there is a feature which I have been wanting for a long time. They are making the bed frames higher so that you can store luggage underneath. This may sound like a small thing but to me and others it will make a big difference. There is no where in the stateroom at the moment to store anything more than a small carry on so we usually put our suitcases at the bottom of the bed, so restricting the space. To store them underneath the bed will make a big difference

Unfortunately it doesn’t seem that the virtual portholes will find their way to the Disney Magic. The cost is thought to have been prohibitive to retrofit. Looks like guests are only going to find the virtual portholes on the Disney Dream and Fantasy inside staterooms.

The concierge suites and the Walter E Disney and Roy Disney suites are also getting a very smart new look.

Senses Spa and Salon

The Senses Spa and Salon gets a more modern look with this redecoration with relaxing shades of earth tones. The space will also be expanded by 725 square feet although it is not clear where this space is coming from. It is doubtful that they can take this from the already somewhat small fitness area. Let’s please hope that they do update that as well!

Something to please the teens is the new Chill Spa for teens aged 13 to 17.

Another new feature will be the Smile Spa. Teeth whitening at sea anyone?

Adult Nightlife on Deck 3

The whole of the adult nightlife area is to be rejuvenated with a redesign. Back Street will get a new name as After Hours. The whole look and feel of the redesign is much more modern and sophisticated. I wonder if this will mean that the adult areas are used more in the evening than they seem to be at the moment.

The Rockin’ D Bar will be renamed as Fathoms. This has custom lighting and sound effects and is inspired by the ocean.

Sessions will be replaced with a new themed piano bar Keys.

Disney Magic cruise ship will get it’s very own O’Gills Irish Pub and Sports Bar to replace Diversions.

Disney Magic New Exterior

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It isn’t just the inside of the Disney Magic which is getting a major refit. The exterior is getting a very distinctive new look too. The Disney ship will magically transform from 964 feet long to 984 feet long and add 1,000 gross tons in weight. Why the change you may ask? Usually duck tails are added to increase stability. The Disney Magic and Wonder are pretty good and stable in high seas but anything a ship can do to increase stability is always a good thing. The Disney Magic often sails Transatlantic which often has higher swells so this extra stability can only be a good thing.

These changes on the Disney Magic look very exciting and are bringing the now 15 year old ship very up to date and more in line with the innovations and design of the newer ships. Most likely the Disney Wonder will be next in 2014 when she goes into dry dock.

What do you think of the changes on the Disney Magic Cruise Ship? Leave me a comment below.

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