More Magic is Coming to the Newly Reimagined and Reinspired Disney Magic

The Disney Magic, Disney Cruise Line's first ship, is scheduled to undergo a "reimagineering" transformation during dry dock September 7th - October 10th, 2013 in Cadiz, Spain.

The Disney Magic always provided guests a magical experience, but extra doses will be coming with new spaces, reimagined areas and exciting additions for the whole family. A new grand atrium, two new restaurants, superhero debuts, nursery, splashtactular water fun and more are set to await you on the redesigned Disney Magic.

"Storytelling is at the heart of everything we do," says Joe Lanzisero, senior creative vice president for Walt Disney Imagineering. "Walt Disney was a master storyteller and knew how to engage peoples emotions into stories. Our job is to take what we learned from Walt and apply it to the experiences on board our ships."

"We have always been committed to reinvesting in our fleet and continuously making shipboard enhancements that elevate the guest experience," said Karl L. Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line. "What we're doing with the Disney Magic is yet another step forward in our commitment to delivering the absolute best family vacations at sea."

New 'magic' in store for the Disney Magic this fall:

Grand Atrium Lobby

The spacious and spectacular three-deck lobby features hand-tufted, custom-made carpet that dazzles in a palette of vibrant coral, blue and aquamarine seashell-inspired designs. The art deco atrium chandelier is inspired by rays of the sun and the glisten of the surface of the ocean. Opulent furnishings, a grand piano and giant portholes recall the days of early 20th century ocean liners.

The lobby's centerpiece is a cold-cast bronze statue of Helmsman Mickey, ever-smiling and keeping watch as guests stroll past. The famed statue, which has stood in the atrium since the ship was launched, will receive a special makeover bringing new luster to its golden hue.

Exciting New Characters and Children's Programs

Disney's Oceaneer Club, open to 3- to 12-year-old children will feature fun new character experiences. Something your little superheroes will be very happy about - with Marvel now a part of the Walt Disney Company family, the super hero icons will be introduced on the Disney Magic!

Marvel's The Avengers will make their presence known in an epic way aboard the Disney Magic, with Marvel's Avengers Academy calling Disney's Oceaneer Club its new seaward home. Young crime-fighters will be transported to a high-tech command post used by The Avengers for special missions and operations training.

Throughout the base, displays featuring some of the equipment that helps to make The Avengers the earths mightiest heroes - Iron Mans suit of armor, Captain Americas shield and Thor's hammer - inspire super hero recruits through their academy missions. Avengers Academy is a multi-day, immersive entertainment experience where children interact with Marvel characters and unleash their inner super heroes.

Other characters have new magical realms including the stars of the Toy Story trilogy in Andy's Room, Tinker Bell in Pixie Hollow and Mickey in the Mickey Mouse Club. Disney's Oceaneer Lab will also be added, a pirate-themed area allowing children the chance to discover and explore new adventures. Each space will transport children to brave super heroes, adventuresome toys, whimsical fairies and goofy, creative fun!

Another major addition to the children's program on the reimagined Disney Magic is the "It's a Small World Nursery." Now the youngest cruisers, ages 3 months to 3 years, have a place to play with trained counselors.

Splashtacular Fun and Water Adventures

From small children to teens to adults, everyone will have a space to have fun in the sun and water. We added more water play areas, dynamic slides, interactive elements for the kids, and more shade, says Lanzisero.

The brand new three-story body slide, the AquaDunk, will thrill guests from the near-vertical launch (the floor drops from beneath like a trap door!) to the fast ride in a translucent tube that extends 20 feet over the side of the ship.

In the AquaLab, children ages 3 and up can chase each other through pop jets, geysers and bubblers in this large, 1,800-square-foot play area. The Twist 'n Spout water slide features 250 feet of sliding fun, loops and turns.

For the youngest cruisers up to age 3, they can now play in the new Nephews' Splash Zone that stars Donald Duck's mischievous nephews, Huey, Dewey and Louie.

New Magical Dining

The popular Animator's Palate will receive an update with new animation-adorned walls and larger screen to provide the best views of the animation magic that takes place all around.

A "Drawn to Magic" experience will debut at Animator's Palate. The restaurant's black and white blank canvas explodes into full color as favorite Disney and Disney-Pixar characters, such as Rapunzel from Tangled and Remy from Ratatouille, come to life right before guests eyes.

On every Disney Magic cruise, guests will have an opportunity to experience the tremendously popular Animation Magic dinner show that celebrates the magic of Disney animation and allows families to create and participate in an innovative way. First unveiled on the Disney Fantasy, Animation Magic invites guests to create their own characters that magically spring to life, become fully animated and join the show onscreen.

Two new restaurants will be added to the Disney Magic, Carioca's and Cabanas.

Carioca's is named after Donald Duck's parrot friend in "The Three Caballeros", Jose Carioca. During the day in this Rio de Janeiro-inspired restaurant, there is a festival theme but at night the atmosphere transforms into an after-hours scene of Rio de Janiero. Carioca's replaces Parrot Cay current on the Disney Magic.

Cabanas, which will replace the Topsider Buffet, is a new casual dining venue with food and beverage stations during daytime hours and table-service at dinner. The Australian setting of the Disney-Pixar animated classic "Finding Nemo" inspires the decor with hints of the films fishy and feathered friends throughout the restaurant. More inside space is being added, a huge expansion of nearly 3,400 square feet.

Palo, the popular adults only restaurant will also receive a makeover with stylish fixtures, glass artwork and new stone floors. Red and white striped poles reminiscent of those found throughout the canals in Venice are a design feature.

New Entertainment Roundup

After Hours, a nighttime adult entertainment district, will replace Beat Street currently on the Disney Magic. An all-new lineup of clubs includes venues for dancing, comedy, music and variety shows.

Fathoms night club is a celebration of the sea that utilizes special effects, lighting and sound to create different atmospheres from early evening to night.

In Keys piano bar and lounge guests can relax with a cocktail and the soft sounds of a piano or wind down after an evening of dancing and revelry.

Pub days of olde are recalled in O'Gills, an Irish pub and sports bar designed with traditional decor. Live televised athletic events are on tap for sports-lovers.

Another reimagined area, D Lounge, offers a variety of family-friendly games, shows, dances and activities designed for all ages. Colorful and contemporary, this space encourages creative and kinetic fun. Families can enjoy entertainment, game shows and activities together in D Lounge which replaces Studio Sea, currently on the Disney Magic.

Enhanced Senses Spa and Salon

The pampering spa will be expanded by 725 square feet for a new total, amazing size of 11,500 square feet. Redesigned with a sleek and contemporary style, this haven of personal harmony provides an unmatched ocean-view environment.

Chill Spa will have treatments especially for teens 13-17 years of age, Smile Spa will give you new pearly whites with their teeth whitening services and a new barbershop offers services for the gentlemen onboard.

Stateroom Surprises

The reimagined Disney Magic staterooms will be redesigned to provide more space for families. Bed frames will be lifted for storage underneath, freeing up space in the cabin. The bathrooms include the split-bath feature that Disney introduced to the cruise industry.

Enjoy all of the new enhancements beginning October 2013. Disney Magic itineraries include fall sailings from Miami to the Caribbean, winter sailings from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas and summer 2014 Mediterranean departures from Barcelona and Venice.