Here’s an off season destination you never saw coming. If you have been considering sailing with Disney Cruise Line, go ahead and book it now. Until recently, I had never been on a cruise. I was actually afraid to go on a cruise. Wasn’t sure if the cruise life was for me. When my friend and personal Disney travel genius Natalie of Castle Coaches Travel randomly texted me to go on a cruise a week before sailing, I weighed the pros and cons about missing work for about fifteen minutes. I quickly made my decision and was mentally packing my bags an hour letter. Bon Voyage! I won’t lie, I’ve been skeptical about cruises. But this is a Disney sailing, and we all know how I feel about Disney. The best part about Disney Cruise Line, it’s Disney floating in the middle of the ocean. As an adult with no kids, I had the best experience. Of course, I kept detailed notes to share with you all. Huge thank you to Castle Coaches Travel for making this experience possible.
The Basics
Ship: Disney Magic (the OG of the DCL)
Port: Galveston (perfect coming from Houston)
# of Nights: 4 Nights
Destination: Cozumel
Deck Parties: Pirate Night with Fireworks
** There are multiple ships and various lengths of sailings. These are just the specifics of my sailing. I would like to do the Wish next and they currently only have 3-night sailings out of Port Canaveral.
If you have been considering sailing with Disney Cruise Line, go ahead and book it now.
On Board Experience
I arrived at port around 10:30 am. I was set to board at 11:15. So this gave me plenty of time. **Brat Tip: The port at Galveston is literally the curb. So make sure you arrive just in time to board. Luckily I did have a place to sit and wait. But you aren’t allowed to go through until you are scheduled.** Getting on board was quick and easy. My favorite part was Pluto greeting me along with the Cast Members announcing my arrival. This is definitely a magical touch for any family. Disney Magic is the original ship for Disney Cruise Lines and has a nautical theme that reminded me of Yacht Club at Walt Disney World. As someone who loves Yacht Club, I appreciate the design elements of the Disney Magic.
After boarding my group immediately went to Cabanas and got lunch. Cabanas is the buffet that is available for breakfast and lunch only. Serving up Mickey waffles (and Mickey churro waffles – yum!) yogurt, bacon, sausage, pancakes, regular waffles, omelettes, whatever you want. For lunch Cabanas offers, salad bar, sandwiches, crab legs, peel and eat shrimp (OBSESSED) and tons more. One thing I will add is to be careful with Cabanas right when boarding. Everyone is there trying to eat too. Head to the pool and see if the eateries are serving. Donald’s Duckin’ Diner and Pinocchio’s Pizza was serving as well before sailing. Not to mention, you’ll be able to watch a movie on the funnel while you wait for the Sail a Wave party. More on that in a few.
After eating lunch, we went around the ship and participated in open house. This is the opportunity you have to see what all the ship has to offer for you and your kids. This is the time to make your spa reservations. Check out Oceaneer’s Club and make arrangements for your child(ren) to spend time there. Make reservations at It’s a Small World nursery if you have a baby that you would like to have childcare for. The nursery is an extra fee – $9/hour – but many parents on board said this was well worth it to have some time to enjoy the ship. Open House is the only time you can physically go in these areas as you won’t be able to go in after sailing. It’s for the kids only.
You will want to get acquainted with the ship at this time. I took a guided ship tour with a cast member. It was nice to have them take me around the ship cause I could see where everything was ahead of time. If you are a newbie to sailing with DCL, I highly suggest the ship tour. If you checked your bags, it does take a while for your belongings to get to your stateroom so maximize your roam time. On the Magic you will find a theater for live Broadway-style performances, movie theater, sports lounge, adult cocktail lounge, piano bar, fitness center, spa, much more, and that is just inside the ship. On deck, there is the adults only pool, kids area, two slides including a drop slide that I went on four times. Don’t judge me. I’m a kid at heart! 😊
Dining
The rotational dining for dinner makes it easy to enjoy a nice dinner as a family after a day at sea. The three restaurants included in rotational dining on the Magic are Animator’s Pallate, Repunzel’s Royal Table and Lumiere’s. Out of the three, Animator’s Palatte and Repunzel’s are my favorite for two different reasons. I loved the atmosphere of Repunzel’s (think dinner and a show that you are completely a part of) and loved the celebration of Disney animation at Animator’s. Also, Sorcerer Mickey came out, and he’s magical on his own! I dined at Animator’s twice on my 4-night sailing. It is important to note that the menu changed the second time since it was Pirate Night. Pirates in the Carribbean is the theme for the night on the ship, and the food reflected flavors of the Caribbean.
Pirate Night, in general is pretty special. After dinner, there is a deck party with Captain Hook and all of the fab 5 followed by fireworks while you are sailing into the ocean. Pirate Night – people go all out! This is the night you can dress in your pirate wear and be on theme. Not to mention, the characters are all dressed as pirates and there’s nothing cuter than Pirate Mickey or Pirate Goofy. Sorry, not sorry.
All-Inclusive
The ship is all-inclusive of meals and non-alcoholic beverages. The only restaurant not included is Palo and I will cover Palo in depth in my next DCL post. Also, O’Gill’s, the sports pub where I would watch the NFC and AFC championship games, is also separate. Consider it this way, alcohol is not included. Cabanas, rotational dining, on deck eats, treats, and soft drinks are all included in your cruise package. Adult beverages, and dole whip are available for purchase. It is entirely possible to not spend money on the ship outside of gratuities for your server, stateroom attendant and more. I will say, it is difficult to not spend money, though, when you pass by the gift shop, jewelry, and more every night. My single recommendation is to just plan ahead. Plan for what you know you want to do if you are cruising on a budget.
Sail a Wave and Pirate Night
You should know if Disney’s name is on it, there’s going to be entertainment other than the on board Broadway-style shows. Join the Fab 5 on the deck for a special party as you sail away. If you haven’t seen my stories, the ship’s horn playing “When You Wish Upon a Star” is as magical as you think it is. *Brat Tip: get to the deck early to get a good spot. You want a good view. Sail a Wave party is a great kick off to your sailing.
Pirate Night is just as magical as the characters are all dressed as pirates and you also get the fireworks from the boat. I can’t tell you much more about it. You have to experience it for yourself. Everyone goes all out and gets dressed up. The photo above is me in my pirate outfit. You do get a complimentary bandana with the theme.
Last Minute Thoughts
I have much more to tell you about sailing with Disney Cruise Line but here are some quick items that I didn’t think of. Pack an empty water bottle to take with you – there are water filling stations all over the ship. Save yourself the cash and not have to buy water. .
Booking a sailing is quick and easy. Disney trips only require a $200 deposit. If you schedule your trip with plenty of time, you can make payments, instead of one lump sum. Again, do what is best for you and plan ahead. Book with Castle Coaches and they’ll get you all taken care of.
Have you sailed with Disney Cruise Line, or any cruise line? What has been your favorite sailing, or what is holding you back from sailing. In my next Disney Cruise Line post coming next week, I will share with you all the adult activities that can be done for those without children. Stay tuned for my Disney Cruise Line Adult Edition blog post and another just on food. Ready to book? Check out Castle Coaches today!