Booked Disney Magic for Aug, Coming from RCCI, what should my Expectations Be?

[bocacruiser]

We were on the inaugural Freedom cruise and I know it's impossible to compare the two, but I'm scared we will be disappointed in some way, either by Magic being old and showing lots of wear and tear, etc.

 

We're going with our 2 kids 4 and 9 so I know they'll love it no matter what!

[OliverTheCat]

Personally for me, the service and the food on Disney is WAY more exceptional than RCI, so to me that will be your 2 standouts. I also think the shows were more enjoyable.

 

RCI is a great line, and that is why I continue to cruise on it, but there is just something about Disney that keeps it as my #1 favorite choice.

 

I hope you have a great cruise!!!

[blessedcruizer]

I can tell you that I am new to RCCI and I have been on the Disney Magic 2 times and the one time on the Wonder. There are so many activites for adults and children. I cannot comment on the childrens center because we did not have any children use the facility. I was on the Magic last April and it looked fantastic. I didn't see wear and tear. The shows are wonderful. The dining rotation is great! The rooms are a decent size. I have had a balcony, oceanview and an inside stateroom. Even the inside stateroom had plenty of room. I am excited to try RCCI being that we have only been on Disney. We are going on the Enchanment in a few weeks! Oh, You must try Palo's for dinner or a brunch. The service and food were amazing! Our concern is coming from Disney to RCCI because we were just blown away with everything on Disney. We have heard great things about RCCI and that is why we want to try them!

[hayesktrm]

We have taken 2 Disney cruises (one Magic, one Wonder) and just got off the Enchantment. Although the Enchantment is much older than the Freedom, I know you won't be disappointed in the Magic looking older. Disney keeps everything top notch and looking new. I was disappointed in the Enchantment because it was showing its age compared to the Disney cruises we have taken. I also like the lay-out of the staterooms on Disney much better. We had to get a JS to compare (in lay-out, not size) to the inside stateroom we had on Disney. We like that they have a separate area for the kids in the cabin. Also, you most likely will have the split bath which I hear people love. The only thing I didn't like as much on Disney was that there wasn't as much adult entertainment, and no casino. I don't gamble much, but I did enjoy going down and gambling $5 every once in a while on slots. We also felt that the service was hands-down better on Disney. Very personable. Our kids are older so I don't think we'll do Disney again, but it was worth the extra money and was a lot of fun. Go to this forum and learn everything you ever wanted to know...http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=9

[Sweetspot]

We've cruised 4 times on the Magic and just got off the Explorer. We spent the 9 nights comparing and DCL wins most every comparison. I don't think anything will ever be better than DCL to us, they just do everything right. Embark, disembark, rooms, shows, sailaway parties, everything. That being said RCL is a very nice cruise but just not the same as it shouldn't be given the difference in pricing. You pay a premium to cruise DCL and I now understand why. We will cruise RCL again next year but can't wait to get back on the Magic in Nov.

[GMoney]

I'd rather be on Disney Magic than FOS anyday. You will have a great time. Here are what I think are the key differences (other than the obvious physical aspects of the ship:

 

+ Soft drinks are included in your Disney fare.

 

+ Disney shows are WAY better than RCI, but RCI has better variety.

 

+ No interactive TV on Disney.

 

+ Castaway Cay beats out CocoCay / Labadee. Much better experience.

 

+ No casino (of course).

 

+ On the Magic, you rotate between 3 dining rooms.

 

+ Magic has an awesome thermal suite. FOS has nothing similar.

 

+ I prefer DCL staterooms, and the bathroom is divided in 2 for convenience.

 

+ Disney actually consistently enforces their adults only rule.

[OliverTheCat]

OH YES! Disney actually has fantastic sailaway parties! Those are basically non existant on RCI... and if you have sailed both lines you know what I mean.

[taffykids]

I have been using these boards for years and this is the first time I have been compelled to respond to anyone for any reason! The Magic is fabulous. My husband and I, our two boys (then aged 3 1/2 and 6 1/2) and my Mom were on the Magic in November of 2004. We did the seven day Western Caribbean and were the first ship back to the Caymans after the hurricane (sad to see but still beautiful). We had sailed previously with Princess and Sitmar. We too were worried but figured that Disney was a safe bet. We reluctantly walked off of that ship when our cruise ended with the impression that Disney takes every aspect of the cruise experience and figures out how to make it better than everyone else; from check-in to disembakation.

 

They realize that you, as a parent want a break too. We would be sitting at the Mickey pool watching our kids ride the Mickey slide for the one-hundredth time, eating the best chicken strips and pizza to be found, and we would rise to throw out our trash and a deck attendant would appear out of nowhere to take care of it for us! I had been told by friends that if the staff notices a shoelace loose they tie it - which seemed a little too ambitious but we were never disappointed. We felt completely pampered, loved our excursions (one at every stop) and thought that Disney should build a resort at Castaway Cay so we could go back and stay for a week!

 

The only downside that we have found is that Disney is so expensive it's going to take us a while before we can go back. You definately get what you pay for. We have since sailed on Princess and were completely worried this time about how sad our kids would be without Disney. Of course everything was great and they are saving their pennies for another cruise.

 

Have a fabulous trip, we are jealous!

 

 

Taffykids

[bocacruiser]

Thanks so much for all of the responses, I feel much better now! I am a WDW lover so I should've known it would be great to begin with!

[Tys Mom]

We have not cruised RCI yet (we are booked on Enchantment in August), but I believe it is safe to say that you will be blown away by Disney's service and attention to detail. We were on the Magic in spring of 2005. I know we will be be using the Magic as a point of comparison when on the Enchantment. We would be sailing with Disney again this year if it wasn't for the higher cost.

 

The Magic's crew is always working on keeping things looking just like they did on her inaugural sail. They paint, they clean, they polish... You look at what they are doing and wonder why because everything looks great even before they start! Also, everyone from the captain down takes the responsibility of keeping the ship clean. If any crew member sees garbage on the floor, or left by some inconsiderate passenger, they pick it up. We saw this happen many times.

 

Have a great time on the Magic. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

[Inshape]

To the poster who did a disney cruise without kids: What made the experience wonderful for you. I imagined kids all over the ship and all kid activities on a disney cruise. Our 2 youngest cruise with us still, almost 10 and 11, and they would not want to be eating meals with disney characters anymore.... they are out of that phase of the characters. i thought the shows were all disney remakes so to speak of their shows.... Am I wrong? And yes, we have heard the sail away party when we were on mariner and wow were they rocking the boat with the noise and the partying...I was surprised .... RCI does NOThing for sailaways. We jsut watched Disney having a blast so it seemed from what we heard. Please tell us about your experiences.

[blessedcruizer]

We decided to take a Disney crusie for our Honeymoon, which was prior to kids. We wanted to go on Disney for many reasons over other cruise lines. But for us the main reason was that we knew we were going on a cruise that would not be too rowdy, as we are not really into parting and we had heard so many wonderful things about the Magic from food to service. We wanted a vacation to just relax.

There are kids all over the ship but like someone else posted they do a good job at keeping kids out of the adult only areas. There is a pool for adults only. Their is a restaurant for adults only (with an addition fee but well worth it)! But the best thing, in my own opinion, is the adult only area at Disney's private island. They have activites only for adults like wine tasting, and there are a few bars and clubs. Although they were never crowded. There is no casino. The parties on the deck are so much fun no matter how young or old you are! There is only, I think, one or two character breakfasts and you will see the characters throughout the day and at castaway(their private island). Oh, and my husband is NOT a Disney fan as I am but he had such a great time that he too is wondering how RCCI will size up against Disney! We are chosing RCCI this time because we have done both the Eastern and Western cruises on Disney and we want to check out another cruise line.

[cassidyk]

I have not yet sailed with RCL (booked on Mariner in Sept 06) but I have sailed on the Magic with my husband, his parents, and his two siblings (the youngest of which was in high school when we went) and I agree with a previous post that you will enjoy your cruise with or without kids. Disney's service and attention to detail are just as good at sea as it is on land. And although the charcters are on board they are not at all "in your face". The locations where they can be found are posted in each daily newsletter so if you want to see them (or have your kids pictures made with them etc) you can but it is not as if you will be eating dinner next to Donald duck or anything. In my experience (have cruised with DCL, Carnival, and Celebrity) Disney has some of the most spacious staterooms even in the basic categories

 

I also second the recommendation to try Palo's while you are on board. Be sure to make your reservation early as they fill up fast and if they still have it be sure to order the chocolate souffle for dessert. Our family still talks about how good that was! :-)

 

Have a great time and enjoy all of the magic Disney has to offer!

[emc0117]

We sailed on the Wonder last year. The state rooms were great, best I have ever been in, The entertainment was great, both the big productions and the ad-hoc stuff around the ship. Service was excellent and food was pretty good. But with my kids are older and Disney being Disney I don't think I will sail with them again. Too many other ships and too many other ports to visit. Well maybe with grandkids...

[big al]

Bocacruiser-My wife & I were on the Disney Wonder 3 nighter May 18..1st time on Disney for both of us..our 14th cruise overall ( 2 w/RCL,3rd in Aug on MOS) and it was THEE best 3 nights on ANY ship we've ever done...best food,best service and by FAR ,the best shows & entertainment we've ever seen..my review is on the CC Disney boards under "Disney Wonder May 18-21 Review-WOW!!".....I'm still trying to recover 6 weeks later!! I thought I'd be bored out of my mind what with no casino,lots of little girls & boys running around dressed as Cinderella,Sleeping Beauty,or Capt.Hook,and there were alot of younger kids (2-7),but Disney does a great job separating adults from children.We are in our 50's ,NO KIDS...and you would think we would've been bored.....NOT AT ALL!! And the private beach,Castaway Cay,was the nicest beach with the best food we've been to (yes,there's even an "adults only" beach!).....don't hesitate with Disney!!!

 

Big Al

 

 

 

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[B-52]

We sailed Disney last July. Being our very first cruise, we chose Disney because after 30+ years with DL and WDW, we were never disappointed and figured we can't go wrong with DCL. We sailed with all adults, 2 cat 5 staterooms.

We were very impressed. The ship was immaculate, the service was flawless, the shows, ala Disney Productions, were very well run and entertaining. Being that it is mostly family orientated, the adult only area's, Pool, Bars, adult beach, etc., were for the most part empty, which we enjoyed.

The children's area's, on the other hand, can be a zoo sometimes. The Mickey Pool was always crowded. They would have to drain it midday sometimes because it became contaminated. (kids with diapers) I would avoid this area at all costs by going up one deck, over the top, than back down at the adult pool.

There is also IMHO, a Disney mentality that you have to be first in line for everything. Example: You have a assigned dinner time, then why is there a long stretching line for the dining room 20 minutes before? We went for a cocktail and came back 1 minute after. No problem.

There were also lines for Character autograph sessions, etc., and we avoided these area's as well. It was fun to observe from a distance though.

At Castaway Cay, their private island, there was a line to disembark 1/2 hr before the scheduled time. I witnessed from my veranda, people running from the ship to the family beach. I later learned the plan is to claim chairs and hammocks, etc. We went to the adult only beach, no problem and not crowded at all.

Again, I have nothing to compare to. I was very impressed with the quality and service of DCL. This July we sail on the Mariner. All adults. We have 2 GS staterooms, a Limo from MCO to the ship, and still saved money from what 2 Cat 4's and bus transfers would cost us from Disney. Same dates, same itinerary. (almost) We shall see for ourselves.

[misseulalie]

I just jumped from the Magic to Voyager of the Seas for the Med. next year. Now all of your posts are making me nervous. I have only sailed on DCL, so it was hard to make the switch to another liner. Do I need to re-book my DCL cruise???;)

[Sweetspot]

misseulalie: Don't stress too much. Both are very good cruises, DCL just rates higher but you are paying a premium so you would expect to get it. You would have to compare costs and what is really important to you to determine which ship is best for you. If you are saving a significant amount by switching from DCL to RCL than are you doing so knowing that some things will be different but you will still have a wonderful time. On RCL the rooms are different but still very nice, the staff is not as friendly and catering but they do their jobs very well. Labadee can't even compare to Castaway Cay but it was beautiful and very nice. There is only one show at night on RCL compared to DCL's 3 shows a night but if you've cruised DCL you've seen the same entertainment everytime, RCL changes theirs. Windjammers on RCL is so much better than Topsiders on the Magic. Much more varied in selection, better times open, larger and much better run. DCL's dinner dining experience is much better and varied but RCL's is very nice also. The way DCL handles crowds and moving people from place to place and on and off the ship is unmatched. The way DCL runs their kid clubs is much better in a parents point of view than RCL but my kids had fun at both. RCL has a Pomonade which DCL doesn't have and we really loved this section of the ship. The Explorer was also much larger and had rock climbing, ice skating, inline skating, much nicer hot tubs, etc. Also, we felt more relaxed actually on RCL because there were less activities and you didn't need to rush from one thing to another. Although at times I was bored because it was either drink, shop or sit at the crowded pool because there was nothing else to do on a sea day

 

You truly can't compare the two completely but the general feel as we were on the ship last week was this really isn't Disney (I missed the horn and hearing "Hey Now" as the ship was about to sail among so many other things) but it's still pretty darn good. We would always choose DCL first (have 2 more booked so far) but we have also booked another RCL for next summer. You will have a great time on RCL as long as you go in knowing it isn't DCL and don't allow yourself to get dissappointed in the little things that are missing.

[awatt]

misseulalie- Do not stress. We have sailed both DCL and RCL. We were a little disapponted in DCL after sailing RC. Bit DCL is very good too. Don"t think you can go wrong.

 

A few reasons we liked RCL better:

-Kids liked the club on RCCL netter, less crowded and older daughter at 7 thought the DCL cllub too babyish activities She loved the rock-climbing wall

- More varied activitities in the evening for adults

- Dining room sevoce more polished on RCL. I don't like using the same dirty fork for all 5 courses during dinner. Also our waiter couldn't get a cocktail otder straight. Waiters on RCL are the most friendly of the five lines I've sailed on.

- Having 1000 kids on the DCL sailing has an impact. Some of them poorly behaved. Family pool, was a zoo with too many kids running (and jumping) wild.

- DCL costs more, so I expected it would be better. But overall it wasn't. And we are Disney lovers. So to me RCL was a better value.

 

What DCL does do better are the characters, the private island (best in the industry) and Palo (best meal we've had at sea in 12 cruises).

 

So don't stress. You will enjoy RCL.

[Happy ks]

Disney Magic was my (and the kids) first cruise and we will always remember it so fondly. Since then, we have taken 9 more cruises on 6 more lines and I think the only ship that rivals (for appearance) Disney Magic has been QM2. Many people probably think that the ship is like Disneyland Park, but quite the contrary. The ship is elegant and every detail is exquisite. Sure, there is a lot of Disney stuff, but much of it is very tasteful, not childish.

 

The staterooms are beautiful, well laid out and convenient for families, with the split bathroom. Our stateroom attendant enjoyed our kids and made a special effort each day to surprise them with something. She included their stuffed animals with her towel folding each night.

 

Of course, for family, Disney wins hands down. While we enjoyed all our other cruises, we felt Disney had a top-notch product, not just for families, either. I would go back on the ship without my kids. I loved the shows, I loved the decor, I loved their private island. We attended the wine tasting and had a special night out to dinner at Palo, without the kids. The kids club has been my childrens favorite, to date.

 

We don't miss things like the casino or the revue shows. The Disney shows, while geared towards family, have a superior production quality than anything else we've ever seen.

[misseulalie]

Thanks for the posts, I do feel better. To clarify, we are going on the 7 day Med with VOS. We were booked on DCL's Med. cruise but we found we could get an Owner's suite on RCCL and still save $1,000 vs. DCL's Cat. 9 Oceanview. 185 sq. feet vs. 506 sq. feet will sure make a difference with 4 people in room one!!! I don't think I would have switched if I was staying in the same category stateroom.

 

You know, it's hard to change what is comfortable and what you know. Especially when I will be spending $10,000+!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jules815]

OH YES! Disney actually has fantastic sailaway parties! Those are basically non existant on RCI... and if you have sailed both lines you know what I mean.

 

I was on the Mariner of the Seas a few weeks ago, and we were docked in St. Thomas with Disney Wonder. When they were sailing away from port, I happened to be out on deck, and stood waving with everyone. The Wonder passed by very closely, and you could see their Sail Away taking place (I was on deck 11, and Mariner being a larger ship, I had a pretty good view looking down onto their pool deck). They had a band playing, really encouraging participation by everyone, and they had a big screen that was showing shots of the band, and then it would show people dancing - adults and kids alike. It looked like everyone was having a great time!

 

And not that I didn't love my Mariner cruise -- we're planning on going back again, but it really looked like there was a lot of excitement happening at the Wonder's sail away.

[Gingras31]

I guess I am a minority, after sailing the Explorer of the seas, my wife and I sailed on the wonder for a 4 nighter, what a waste of money. to us it did not compare. The only good things about the wonder were the rainforest room and castaway cay. After 10pm the ship shut down with the exception of a few cheezy bars and clubs. The shows were ok, but we feel were better on RCCL. Also the food we felt was better on the explorer. Palo was a waste of money, barely better than the dining room. Not worth the extra cost for us. Like I said, I am a moniority here, but give us RCCL anyday.

[patlanta]

For those of you who may be interested in cruising on DCL without children, I highly recommend looking at one couples' joyful experience at:

www.cassworld.ca

 

When this couple were on the cruise and posting daily they got a hugh following. It was like a soap opera. Even the captain made mention of it to them.

 

Consequently we booked to take our grandchildren. As rather jaded cruisers , I chuckle in retrospect because we never really knew who our steward was and I never found out the names of our servers. Everything was taken care of and top notch. Then, out of a worldly vacation schedule for the younger ones, they liked the Disney cruise the best.

[QTMichele]

Although I've never been been on a cruise, my parents went on a Disney cruise (sorry, I'm not sure which ship) and LOVED it! My father is a Disney-holic and was a little suprised how the ship was decorated - very well decorated, but Disney decor was subdued. He was not disappointed, just an observation he made. My mother who is more "sophisticated," really enjoyed the cruise as well. Both would go back to Disney in a heart beat. The one "negative" they both agreed upon was the snorkling at Disney's private island. They said it was a manufactured experience with arrows pointing you along the way throughout the snorkling experience.

 

I wish I could give you my own experiences, but, from everything I've heard and read, Disney does do things the right way for just about everyone's tastes and preferences.

 

Have a wonderful time!