Magic of the Disney Magic!!! Part 1

A couple of  weeks ago I was invited by Disney Cruise line to come along a visit their Disney Magic in Dover. Now being the Disney Queen you can imagine just how exciting this was, arriving in Dover with my Minnie Mouse ears ready to see my dream ship and cruise line.

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Over the years I have visited the port of Dover a few times on days trips but I was surprised when even before I got on board the terminal had been Disney-fied. The whole waiting area had been transformed with Disney banners, flag balloons and even Disney musical favourites faintly playing in the background. It was fantastic seeing the little (and big) kids faces you could almost feel their excitement to get on board.

Once on board there attention to detail starts from the second your step on as the atrium is line with staff and each family is welcome on to Disney by name, this is a tradition which we experience in Orlando last year and make you feel so special, a lovely way to start your holiday.

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I think prior to getting on board my preconceptions for the ship were it was going to be Magic Kingdom of the seas, and I think Disney could have been forgiven for being very over the top, Mickey mouse everything and even bordering on being a little tackle, but this was not the case. On arriving in the atrium I really was wowed, it was beautiful and very sophisticate and this theme was carried out throughout the ship.

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What I loved the most was that Mickey Mouse was everywhere but in such a subtle way that If you wanted it you could look for it hidden in the design but if you didn’t it wasn’t so much in your face.

CAN YOU SPOT MICKEY MOUSE:

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I loved the feel of the Disney Magic as we moved around ship, and considering it was created by Disney the biggest family brand in the world I surprised to find a lot of adult only areas, but more and them next week. This week I want to concentrate on what I think are the standout features of the ship.

Dining:

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Disney Magic has three evening dining area which have a very unique way of operation. The restaurants are  experienced on a three nightly rota bases where even the waiter staff rotate with you keeping the fantastic continuous great service.

The three restaurants on board are called Carioca’s, Lumière’s and Animators Palate, all of which offer a range of culinary delights however for me it was the Animators Palate that stood out for me as the most interesting.

The Animators Palate is not just a Restaurant but a dining experience. On arrival the you can not miss the stand out black and white décor with the whole restaurant featuring beautiful sketches of your Disney Favourites but during your dining experience you will start to she the Magic come alive as gradually throughout the evening everything slowly changes. The walls, ceiling, TV’s and even your waiters and waitresses uniform begin to change colour until at the end of your meal the whole place has changed and you are surrounded by a colourful masterpiece. Simply enchanting!

 

Shopping:

No Disney venue would be complete without a Disney store and on board the cruise line is no different. With a huge Disney store on board the stock actually changes  with your destination therefore if you are cruising in Alaska you will be able to pick up a Eskimo Mickey Mouse or Caribbean you might find Minnie with a grass skirt and coconuts. No excuses for not being able to find that perfect holiday souvenir .

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Cabins:

We were lucky enough to view a few of the cabins on our trip. Again these were not over the top covered in Disney, which if you have stayed in a Disney hotel in Florida you will know this is very similar. Disney hotels tend to have one there and they have carried on the nautical feel of cruising throughout to the cabins. The cabins a nice size some of which to take 5 passengers which if like me with three children is very hard to find on cruise lines.

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KIDS CLUB AND OUTSIDE FACILITIES:

So up till now I have told you all about how elegant the ship is and very much Unstated in the Disney features please do not think that by this it will be boring or dull as because when you enter the leisure areas you will see these are far from DULL!!!!!!!

There are 4 separate areas for under 18’s. The nursery, kids club, pre-teens and teen area, and in true Disney style they have brought the Magic of their movies and parks to the cruise line.

“Its a small world after all” for those tiny little tots at a nominal fee of $9 a hour you can relax knowing your babies are being cared for in the tots nursery for children 3 years and under. Facilities in the “Its a small world” nursery include toys, soft play area and cots for nap time.

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Oceaneers Club is for children 3-12 year and are the largest age group therefore there are a number of amazing rooms for them. Mums and dad take note and study the photos as this is a close as you can get. Oceaneers is a adult free zone parents not allowed.

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With activities such as characture  drawing lessons, online gaming, board games, snack time, movies time and so much more . Your children will have the time of their lifes in these areas which are comprised of Mickey Mouse Club, Pixie Hollow, Avengers Academy and by far the most imaginative and my all time favourite – Andy’s Room!

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THE EDGE:

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The place to be  for pre-teens ages 11-14 years is The Edge. Hanging out here will have them enjoying  a computer lab, video game consoles, and pizza making is plenty to for those too cool for skool this is where they want to me.

For those young adults wanting to meet others their ages group without the feel of a “kids club” The Vibe for aged 15-17 is where to go. Hidden in one of the ship funnels, this fun hang out with a loft apartment feel is designed to give them the freedom to enjoy snacks non alcoholic cocktails and get to know their new friends.

NEXT UP OUTSIDE FACITILES.

For my family this would be our favourite part of the ship and where we would probably spend most of our time. The activity deck is the place to be with 5 pool areas (one of which has a huge screen for lazy pool days catching your favourite Disney music and also a adults only paradise), 2 whirlpools and a Aquadunk for the water thrill seekers given them the choice of 3 water slides to enjoy. At the rear of the activity deck you will find a sports court for a range of different sport throughout your trip. So spending your seas days here keep everyone happy with something for everyone. It is also important to know that all sodas beverages and ice-cream are included in your price and easily available throughout these seas.

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As you can tell I loved this ship and I am sure you will too. As far I have told you all about which made this ship stand out for me and what families can expect . But Disney want to be able to appeal to everyone so join me next week to find out why is also fantastic for adults only.

WHICH WOULD BE YOUR LITTLE ONES FAVOURITE SPOT?#

Until next time.

Marie x

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About Me

This is me, Marie Turner. I live in the Beautiful Garden of England that is Kent, with my husband Ben and 3 daughters Megan, Abigail and Ruby. I have been working within the travel industry for the past 20 years, enjoying seeing the world with my young family . I love…

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