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Day 1 At Sea Aboard the Disney Magic!

sail away

Welcome to the Disney Magic! The iconic blue bottom boat with red, black and yellow-orange features makes this ship sets the Magic apart from the other all-white cruise ships sitting in a row at port. Our first glance of the ship solicited oohs and aahs and more than a little bit of excitement from my sister, daughter and myself. Once you get through the hustle and bustle of downtown Miami where our cruise set sail, we were just moments away from our relaxing adventure. Join us for our first day aboard the Disney Magic!

1. Curb-side at the port

All travel can be stressful, especially security but the Disney folks do as much as they can to grease the wheels of security checks. Our carry-ons were scanned and larger bags checked at the drop-off area where porters were waiting to handle larger baggage. Note: you’ll want to have cash to tip porters at the curb-side baggage check.

2. Security

With security behind us, we rode the escalator to the next level where we were checked in. Passports and birth certificates were scanned after we provided a printout of our online pre-registration. The Disney agent then told our little group of three to huddle together and smile for a group photo which would be used to identify us in conjunction with our key cards which Disney more interestingly named “Key to the World Cards” (KTTW). KTTW cards allow us to access our cabin, can be linked to a credit card for easy purchasing of goods and services as well as leaving and re-boarding the ship. We also received my daughter’s Oceaneers Club band which is essentially a Magic Band which allows her entry into the Kids-only areas of the ship.

3. Terminal fun

After checking in we headed to the port terminal where Goofy greeted guests in a nautical themed character greeting. Disney makes even the waiting-to-board experience fun with special contests and announcements designed to get everyone into the cruising mood. Parties are assigned a boarding group number and can proceed to the boat when their number is called.

4. Boarding

This is the best part! My daughter has never been on a ship before and was practically vibrating with anticipation. We finally stepped on the immaculately clean wooden deck of the Disney Magic and were directed to a hand sanitizing station. You’ll see a lot of these on board designed to limit the spread of unsightly germs! Your party will be greeted by a Cast Member and announced and applauded as you enter the main lobby. Grand chandeliers with a sun and sea theme adorn the grand lobby.

Pool deck

5. Waiting for Staterooms

Staterooms aren’t accessible until 1:30. Until that time, we went to Cabanas for a buffet with myriad options including a carving station with turkey and roast beef, pastas, vegetables, kid friendly mac-n-cheese & chicken fingers. My favorite is all grilled salmon and all you care to eat shrimp and stone crab. Don’t get me started on the desserts!!! You may want to pack a swimsuit and a few items in your carry-on to enjoy the pools and splash pads until your stateroom is ready.

6. Staterooms

Our room boasts a king size bed, twin size sofa bed and a lovely verandah with seating. Linens are on caliber with a category 4-5 Marriott hotel which means they are very comfy! There’s also a blow dryer, little fridge and ample storage.

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7. It’s Party Time!

Join the Disney crew for a sail away party. Music, drinks and a show the whole family will enjoy on the big pool area on deck 9.

Rapunzel and the gang!

8. Dinner Time

Disney employs rotational dining so that guests may enjoy each of the unique venues available across the ship. Our first evening dining experience was Rapunzel’s Royal Table and I can truly say that this was one of my favorite character dining experiences in all of Disney, parks included. Rapunzel and her friends from the Snuggly Duckling put on a fabulous show with tons of audience participation. We met our expertly-trained and kind servers who will follow us from restaurant to restaurant each night of our voyage. We enjoyed prime rib, roast chicken, a bevy of appetizers and everything was scrumptious! For dessert I recommend the creme brulee cheesecake (pictured below) of apple strudel.

Creme Brulee Cheesecake

9. Show Time!

Twice Charmed was our entertainment for the night in the main theater. Picture a twist on the Cinderella story with one of the wicked step sisters winning the heart of Prince Charming. well, almost! Even sitting in the back of the theater we were drawn into the story!

We’ve only been on board for 9 hours but it seems like it’s been longer! The Disney Magic swept us away on a voyage of unparalleled service, accommodations, dining and entertainment. Time to catch some seas as the Magic rocks us to sleep so we can get up and enjoy our day at sea and dinner at one of the signature dining experiences. Stay tuned for Day 2 of our exciting voyage!

Interested in Cruising with Disney? Read about our other days aboard the Disney Magic.

Day 2 – At Sea Aboard the Disney Magic

Day 3 – Grand Cayman

Day 4 – Aboard the Disney Magic – Marvel Day At Sea

Day 5 – A Day at Castaway Cay!

About Becky

Becky is a full time wife, mother and graphic designer. She loves all-things Disney and loves sharing her advice and experiences on DisneyFanatic.com.

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