Disney’s “Magic” is like no other . . . both the cruise ship and the impressive creations that consistently come from the Disney brand.

Disney’s Magic is now cruising out of Texas’ very own Port of Galveston!

Where the cool kids hang

When you think of Disney, you think KIDS. Disney Magic has ample spaces, designed as clubs for the cool kids. 

The Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab on Disney Magic offer an immersive wonderland for kids aged 3 to 10, packed with themed play spaces and hands-on activities. For the tiniest cruisers, the “it’s a small world” nursery provides a safe, whimsical space for children ages 6 months to 3 years, with attentive care and playful activities (reservations are required for the nursery and an extra fee). 

At the Oceaneer Club, kids can step into Andy’s Room from Toy Story, join Marvel’s Superhero Academy to train alongside their favorite heroes, or let their creativity shine in Pixie Hollow. Meanwhile, the Oceaneer Lab sparks curiosity with activities like animation lessons, science experiments, and even music mixing. Connected by a secure system, kids can explore both areas freely, giving parents peace of mind while their little ones dive into Disney-inspired adventures.

Teens

The tween hangout, Edge, for ages 11-14, is where they can enjoy video games, scavenger hunts and more. 

Vibe, a club for ages 14-17, gets teens all up in the club. One of the exciting things for both kids and parents is the freedom that these clubs provide. In order to stay in touch on the boat, parents and kids can utilize messaging via the Disney Navigator app which can be used without full paid wifi.

Adulting Additions

Adulting is hard but not on The Magic! For moments of tranquility, the Cove Cafe offers a serene space to enjoy a coffee and read. There’s also an adults-only pool and the option to book a day pass to Senses Spa for the rainforest experience, complete with two steam rooms, three showers of varying set temperatures, and five heated loungers.

Palo, the ship’s fine dining restaurant, offers gourmet dishes, stunning ocean views, and beautiful stained glass all around. 

And, there’s no shortage of nightlife; After Hours features three adults-only clubs: Keys, Fathoms, and O’Gill’s Irish Pub, where adults can catch a game or play trivia.

Cabins with Cache

The tradition of storytelling can even be found inside staterooms, thanks to artwork and subtle touches that celebrate elements of Disney films. But the real magic happens when, at turndown service, the cabin steward makes the top bunk magically appear (it comes out of the ceiling!) and cleans up the mess that the family left throughout the day.

Disney Dining Difference

Dining on Disney Magic is an experience in itself. Each family’s server team travels from restaurant to restaurant each night, building connections and personalizing the experience. I love it that they already know what you like to drink and just bring it to the table without asking after the first night!  Guests over 21 can bring two unopened bottles of wine or a six-pack of beer onboard. (Open your bottle before dinner, and you’ll avoid the $29 corkage fee).

At Animator’s Palette, dinner feels like dining inside a living sketchbook. This innovative restaurant celebrates Disney’s rich animation history, where the walls are adorned with sketches of beloved Disney characters, which transform from black-and-white drawings to vibrant, full-color masterpieces as the evening progresses. The cuisine is as impressive as the ambiance, featuring a savory fusion of Pacific Island foods.

At Lumiere’s, guests can step into a dining room straight out of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” (my personal favorite!). This elegant, French-inspired restaurant captures the charm and romance of the classic film, with chandeliers, intricate rose details, and a refined atmosphere reminiscent of Beast’s enchanted castle. Whether savoring a delicate dessert or toasting with a glass of wine, diners are sure to feel like royalty in this enchanting setting.

The newest addition, Rapunzel’s Royal Table, offers a whimsical dining experience, live music and delightful culinary choices. 

Evening Entertainment

Disney Cruise Line is introducing some of the smallest cruisers to live theater, along with their families. The Magic is a floating resort where cruisers get to experience the best entertainment Disney has to offer. The pirate night is one of the most popular, as Disney is the only cruise line to shoot off fireworks over the ocean!

Sit back and be entertained by shows that take some favorite stories and turn them into live theater, including a theatrical adaptation of Tangled, a show called Twice Charmed and Disney Dreams. 

Texans can now capture The Magic of Disney from our very own state (which is ideal since the Lone Star State is stationed in the middle of Florida’s Disney World (and other Disney Cruise ports) and California’s Disneyland. Now we can experience The Disney Difference in Texas! 

The Disney Magic, from a teenager’s perspective

The Disney cruise is for all ages, but it’s different from a teen’s point of view. This is the fun version that can’t be told by an adult. 

Vibe is a place for teenagers (only) to hang out and have fun. They have many video games, board games, and great counselors to hang out with. The counselors really care about the kids that are there, and it shows. Secondly, I really liked all the easily accessible food options, like the buffet, and pizza and burger walk-ups. There was always somewhere to get food and ice cream. And when I wanted to workout, there is a running track on the 4th deck which was really cool being able to run with the ocean on my side. 

The restaurants were all exceptional, with excellent customer service by the servers and everyone on staff. My favorite restaurant was Rapunzel’s Table, because there was live music and a live performance from Rapunzel and Flynn. The food was fantastic and the experience as a whole was very impressive. 

–Finn Flatt, 17

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Marika Flatt, Outstanding Austin Communicator 2021, is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She began her travel writing career in 2002, and can be seen as a contributor on TV shows across Texas, such as Great Day Houston, San Antonio Living, Spectrum News, Good Morning Texas, KVUE, Daytime (FOX), and Studio 512! Follow Marika’s travels here.

Finn Flatt is a high school senior in Round Rock, Texas. His love of all types of music and interest in utilizing mindset to improve one’s life made him the ideal candidate to interview Cameron Atlas.