I’ve mentioned before that my family loves the Disney Cruise. We have taken three Disney Cruises and have loved them all. I am often asked which ship I would recommend Disney Magic vs Disney Fantasy, how long to go, what age is too old to go, etc. Having just gotten off the ship a few weeks ago, I thought it would be a good time to give an up to date review.
I am going to review our last two trips – We cruised on the 7-night Disney Fantasy in February 2013 with my husband and three boys (ages 8,11 and 13 at the time) and my parents. We had such an amazing trip that we went again for my parents 50th anniversary on the 5-night Disney Magic in December 2013 with my husband and kids (this time ages 9,12 and 14), my parents, my sister and her husband and kids (ages 13 & 14) and my brother and his wife and kids (ages 18 months and 3).
We had incredible trips both times, but there are some significant differences with the ships. In terms of the cabins, there really isn’t much of a difference – we had deluxe family balcony cabins both times and there was great space. The major recommendation is that on the Fantasy we were in the aft of the ship and we felt an incredible amount of vibration from the ships engines. For this reason we booked mid-ship for the Magic and it was a world of difference. On the Magic we were on the 7th deck – this was great – we were two floors from the buffet and the pools and this was great that we could just walk up stairs and didn’t have to wait for the elevator. Great location!!
Crowds – The Fantasy is a huge ship and with that means a lot more people and we felt the crowds much more on the Fantasy than on the Magic. On the Fantasy, there were times when it was hard to find a deck chair and the pools and hot tubs were jam packed.
Service & dining – You can’t do better in terms of service than Disney – they’ve got it going on. What I adore is that even the crew members that you are not tipping will bend over backwards for you – it is the Disney way. However, our servers on the Magic, in the dining room were just very “meh” – underwhelming even. They seemed like more Royal Caribbean or Carnival servers than the excellent service that we received on the Fantasy (shout out to Alvin and Joe on the Fantasy – my kids still talk about you!!). Regarding the dining, the food was very good on both ships – no complaints – head and tails over other cruise lines! However, Tthe dining rooms on the Magic were not nearly as “cool” as the Fantasy – Even with the Magic just doing a major renovation – my expectations of Animators Palette, which is crazy cool on the Fantasy, was disappointing on the Magic.
Entertainment – Again – score 1 for the Fantasy, I thought the shows were worlds better on the Fantasy than the Magic. Having said that, both ships are worlds above most other lines in terms of the entertainment that they offer (with an exception for the Norwegian Epic – they rocked the entertainment department)
Activities – Both ships offer a ton to do – you can be busy all day long, if you choose! There are tons of things to do on both ships, but if your kids are older, the Fantasy has many more options. The sports deck is more significant, they have sport simulators, mini golf and a full sized basketball court. The kids clubs are also a bit more substantial – they are larger and have more to do, although my kids were pretty happy in both of the clubs. One great thing that the Fantasy had was Mickey’s Detective Agency – this is a “who-done-it” type of game that you play all around the ship. There are interactive paintings that “come to life” when you approach them and give you clues to solve a mystery. This was so cool and the whole family loved playing it when we had a few minutes here and there! Pirate Night is a huge deal on all of the Disney Cruises – however, we were pretty disappointed with the Magic’s Pirate Night – it was more of a Pirate Dance Party, where the Fantasy was more of a show. We basically sat there and watched the crew members dance for about 30 minutes – not too exciting. LOVED the Pirate Night show on the Fantasy.
5 vs 7 nights – I was a bit worried that 5 nights wouldn’t be long enough on the cruise – but honestly, on the smaller ship, it worked well. I think 7 nights may have been too long. Otherwise, I am always a fan of the 7 night cruise.
Bottom line – If you are considering a Disney Cruise – run don’t walk and book it! It is an amazing vacation – the BEST! In terms of what ship is right for you, I never thought my kids would be getting “to old” for the Disney Cruise, but I think for the Magic it is geared a little more to the younger crowd. If you are going with older kids – I would for sure steer you towards the Fantasy. If you are crowd shy, I would say to look closer at the magic. It just doesn’t feel as busy as the Fantasy does.
I am happy to answer any specific questions you have! As I have mentioned before, I am not a travel agent – I just have a passion for travel, planning travel and talking about travel!! As always – I welcome comments and advice from all of you! Tell me about your experiences!
Hi there! We will be taking our first time ever cruise this summer for my daughters 10th bday. We also have another daughter who is 2.5 :). It’s our first cruise EVER.. AND we’re taking a Disney one. Is 3 days too short? We’re BIG Disney fanatics (we have annuals and go monthly- we live in Miami lol). They’re quite pricey in the summer, but it’s the only time we can go, plus it’s for her bday. Any tips, advice, ANYthing is appreciated as this is one realm I know nothing about! Lol
Hi Luz – 3 days is short for a Disney Cruise, but if it is all you can do, then go for it!!
Try to go on one that has the private island on the itinerary – it is our most favorite place ever!!!
If you can avoid it, don’t get caught up in waiting in line for the characters – it is a total time sucker and you don’t have enough time to waste 🙂
Don’t miss the shows – they are incredible!!
Enjoy every second!!
Hi Jennifer – I would say the Fantasy – there is just so much more to do on that ship. The adult areas and restaurant is beautiful – the shows are amazing and the food is great. I am not sure of when the best time to go would be, just stay away from school breaks!
Hi! stumbled on your site through Pinterest. I am 31 and my Fiance’ is 35 and I am a Disney fanatic. No Kids. Which ship would you recommend for us? I am not a huge fan of all the excursions or running around like a chicken without a head, i’m more of a relaxer, dinner and cocktails, movies and shows type of person. Also is there a more “dead” time of year to go like when kids are starting a school year or still in school for the year or….? ( i know it’s a disney cruise so there will always be kids) but a less crowded time I prefer. Any Adult Only pointers are greatly appreciated. THANKS!
My question is where to stay on the ship. Which rooms to aim for. We’ve never been on a cruise so have no idea where to aim for when booking. Obviously the quieter and more spacious is a plus. Our kids are 1,3 and 8 but will all be a year older when we travel. Thank you!
It is a very personal preference thing, but we perfer mid ship – you get the least movement there. I will say, we stayed in the aft (back) on the Fantasy and it was NOT good – we got a ton of vibrating from the engine.
Just finished my first ever cruise, and it was on the Disney Fantasy. What a great experience. I am now thinking of doing a second cruise in November 2016 (with the placeholder I did while on the Fantasy). It will be myself (57 years old) and my friend (47 years old), no children. After reading about your comparison I am wondering if I’d be better off sticking with the Fantasy. I absolutely loved it on the ship. Thoughts?
If you are sticking with Disney – I would stay with the Fantasy – it is hard to go to the smaller ship, once you go on the majestic Fantasy!
We have 17 & 9yo girls. My 9yo is special needs; physical disabilities and developmental delays. We are going on the Magic in September. Any advice so we can all have fun? My little one is very outgoing, but is not able to do all the physical things her peers can. Also with the delays, she is more on a mental age of 4 year old.
we booked our cruise through Costco and noticed you did as well. Wanted to see if you were familiar with GTY (guarantee) rooms.
It just means that your room will be assigned when you arrive to the ship.
Hello! I have my daughter (15), her best friend (14.5), and my son (10) . We’re planning for our first cruise and I’d like to know which ship (or cruiseline) you recommend . My daughter loves slides and such but she doesn’t feel comfortable in crowds. My husband and I want a fun, exciting vacation for them. What do you recommend?
We loved the fantasy and I would totally recommend it for the bigger kids rather than the Magic, which is smaller. The slide is really great on that ship. The Norwegian Epic is a great ship with 3 amazing slides – that may be a good way to go. It is a really big ship with a ton to do. We are on the Allure of the Seas right now -my kids are loving it, but it is crowded and no slides!
Hi! I’m trying to plan our activities on Cruise, one day on St. Thomas/St. John
U.S. Virgin Islands, which activities you suggest MUST GO for us? Our kids are 5 & 3 yr old girl!
We are not too big into the excursions, we mostly walk through the shopping area or just hang out on the beach. Take a look at cruisecritic.com – they usually have some great tips on excursions!
Hello, I was originally planning to go on a Disney cruise with my mom and 9 yr old daughter. First time for her on a cruise, but the cost is prohibitive! I was wondering if you know of another cruise line that is a little less expensive. She is an only child and I would like there to be a kids club, and also we are a bit picky about food! want to steer clear of “cafeteria like” meals. do you have any suggestions? Royal Caribbean? please let me know asap as we are looking at going at the end of Aug Thank you – any suggestions would be great!!!
We love Royal Caribbean – it is a great line for Kids. We have also done Norwegian and have really liked that line too!!
Hi again, thanks for your suggestions, what about Carnival Breeze? have you heard of this one? it looks like a newer ship – not sure about Carnival – thanks