Disney Magic Makeover and Move

disney-magic-renovationDisney Cruise Lines oldest ship, Disney Magic, moves from Galveston to Miami in October – but cruisers sailing on the ship out of Miami won’t find themselves on the “old Magic”.  Prior to coming to Miami the ship will spend a month at a shipyard in Spain getting numerous upgrades to bring it up to 2013 standards.

A new water park, including a “free-fall” water slide called “Aqua Dunk” and a water-based playground called “AquaLab”, will replace the old Mickey Mouse-shaped swimming pool.  The Magic’s lobby atrium has been thoroughly redesigned to give it a more open feeling and an Art Deco sensibility.

The Oceaneer Club (for kids 3-12) will now be themed around Marvel comics characters as well as some of the old Disney favorites.  The Marvel’s Avengers Academy lets kids operate an Avenger command post.  The nursery (for kids 3 months to 3 years) also gets a brighter feel.

The “Animator’s Palate” restaurant will get new audio and video equipment to make the experience even more memorable.  And the Magic will now get the “Animator’s Magic” dinner show that has become popular on other Disney cruise ships.  The casual “Parrot Cay” restaurant will become the more sophisticated, Rio-themed “Carioca’s”.  The Topsider Buffet will become a “Finding Nemo”-themed, casual eatery called “Cabanas”.  Cabanas will add some outside seating.

The adults-only night-time entertainment area transforms from “Beat Street” to “After Hours”, with what is promised to be a more sophisticated look.   A techno-themed nightclub called “Fathoms” replaces the old “Rockin’ Bar D” and the piano bar “Keys” replaces “Sessions”.

Other changes include a bigger, brighter, renamed spa and salon; a new family lounge and revamped cabins.  That’s a whole lotta work to done in about a month.