Just in time for its 25th anniversary,Disney Cruise Line has just sprinkled pixie dust on its very first ship — the 1998-launched Disney Magic. Disney just completed enhancing both its hardware and software with inspiration from the parent company’s “Encanto,” “Soul” and “Moana” animated films.
The updates were made during a three-week dry dock refurbishment in Freeport, The Bahamas, which also included the addition of environmentally friendly shore power capabilities. The ship is currently sailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico, before departures from Miami, Fla. starting on May 24 and later its inaugural fall season from San Diego, Calif.
Soulful New Lounge
Reimagining the former Promenade Lounge on Deck 3 outside of Rapunzel’s Royal Table is now The Soul Cat Lounge, not unlike character Joe Gardner’s favorite Half Note Lounge from the Pixar animated film “Soul.” The new setting takes its cues from a classic New York jazz club complete with brick walls, wood accents, buttery leather seating and a central stage for vibrant, live music.
Further telling the story is custom artwork and pieces referencing the movie, such as record players and labels, musical instruments, cool concert posters and portraits of jazz legend Dorothea Williams and her bandmates. Guests may even find Joe’s hat and jacket hanging up beside the stage.
Adult libations extend to traditional Manhattans and martinis, as well as beers and cocktails (or, for non-drinkers, mocktails, specialty coffees and sodas are also available). Rounding out the offerings are Little Italy-inspired zeppoles, an Italian pastry similar to a fried doughnut.
Magical Concierge Upgrades
Other hardware improvements include an updated Concierge-level retreat. The exclusive interior lounge is newly reminiscent of “Moana” and the film’s tropical colors, and the space has expanded to an extra outdoor covered seating area on Deck 10. What’s more, all the concierge suites — extending to the one- and two-bedroom ones, and the pair of signature royal suites — have been fully refreshed with updated premium fixtures, furniture and art.
Enchanting New Entertainment
Disney’s popular “Encanto” animated film comes to life onboard with “An Encanto Celebration.” Guests can join Mirabel, Bruno and the rest of the family Madrigal during an immersive experience including meet-and-greet photo-ops, singalongs, crafts and enchanted storytelling. Beverages will even extend to Colombian beers, cocktails, sodas and creative mocktails.
Travel Agent Response
The travel advisor community is already raving about the enhancements on behalf of their clients, as Beci Mahnken, president, CEO of MEI-Travel & Mouse Fan Travel, told us:
"I’m excited to see the new updates to Disney’s first cruise ship, the Disney Magic,” she said. “The new ‘Encanto’ Celebration and ‘Soul’-inspired lounge truly lean into the storytelling Disney is so well known for, and families enjoy sharing together. The enhancement to the concierge area will help bring some much-needed consistency to the experience with other Disney ships in the fleet. These updates will be welcomed by clients, and they have a great reason to return to this beloved ship and experience it in a new way.”
Mahnken is also pleased to see the technological upgrade made to implement shore power, believing that the ship’s reduction in emissions is a win for everyone.
