I'll start this off by mentioning just how wonderful that Disney's "private" Castaway Cay island is compared to other line's islands and even how nice it is compared to most Caribbean destinations. Disney has a done an amazing job making it seem not so "plastic" as their theme parks, yet creating a destination where every little thing has been thought of. I'd actually like to see them build a hotel on the island, and make it a destination available separate from the cruise. The food is excellent; the beach is perfect; the water is calm and protected from heavy surf; there is a family beach, then a little further away is a teen beach (with volleyball nets and other fun stuff), then further from that is an adults-only beach. I was amazed at how it was virtually silent at the adult beach, while the kids, families & teens were whooping it up in their own respective areas. To top it all off, there is a separate beach and cabana area on the other side of the island for adults only, which requires about a 10 minute tram ride. (The story I heard is that this was a drug-runner's island; the tram ride is partly down an abandoned airstrip, complete with abandoned plane). Both the far-side adult beach and the near-side adult beach offer open-air shaded massage. If you book the open air massage, make sure you know if it requires the tram ride or not - otherwise you'll end up in the wrong place!! There are plenty of lounge chairs, umbrella's and excellent drink service at this island. At the family beach, there is also a group of platforms, swings and ropes about 25 yards out in the water which adds a focal point and some extra fun. My only complaint is that they do not offer or allow scuba diving here, and the whole snorkeling concept is no fun. First, instead of snorkeling beautiful reefs, outcrops etc, you snorkel over a mostly sandy area with sunken "objects" to see. After about 15 minutes, the snorkeling area is so churned up you can't see 3 feet ahead. Don't bother wasting your time here. Also, the charge for renting their low-end, mass market mask, fin and snorkel is extreme - you could buy a better set of gear for about the same price in the states. They also make you wear their inflation vest if you plan to snorkel (provided free of charge).

Now on to the ship...

I've cruised on big & small boats on Princess, Carnival and Royal Caribbean. I'd say that Disney Magic was cleaner and operated as well or better than these other lines. The big difference is no casino, very good but not-so-upscale food, and an absolutely fabulous kids program. In fact, I'd have to say that the kids program is so well done, that it alone will probably bring me back as a customer again. We have 3 kids; 1 1/2, 4 1/2 and 6. While the daycare room for our little one was clean, it was fairly small and only a little better than one would expect for daycare. The availability of spaces and times for daycare varies, and reservations are all but required. The kid's program is held in one of two large "clubs", one for the younger set, and another for the older set (the "Oceaneer's Club"). The younger kids get to visit the Oceaneer's clubs from time to time for special activities (like making flubber). Kid's get to choose whether or not they eat with the club (in a private sitting at the buffet style restaurant), or go eat with their parents. Our kids wanted to eat with us a couple times, but really enjoyed eating with the other kids...leaving us ALONE (!!) for dinner. We actually missed them, and found ourselves gently trying to convince them to come eat with us! The clubs have lots of things to do; computers, movies, arts & crafts, big screen TV's, a "laboratory", dress-up clothes - the list is endless.

A little about meals...
The food was well cooked, well served and very tasty. However, I prefer the more upscale meals like those served on Princess. I think Disney has done a wise thing though, since they obviously are aiming hard at the middle-America market. I don't think those with less complex palates will have any trouble, while those who do seek the more complex should definitely get into Palo's for a couple nights.

Palo's is an adults-only, jacket required "exclusive" small restaurant that requires reservations, and a $5 fee per diner. There is a single menu for the week (approx 6-7 choices per course), so I would not suggest planning to eat there every night. Two, maybe three dinners there will be enough. Highlights are the roasted lamb and the appetizer pizzas. The mushroom appetizer is to die for. The desserts are fabulous as well. The meals in Palo are akin to the more upscale food served nightly on the better "adult" cruise lines. Palo's offers a champagne brunch ($10/person), as well as a proper tea (British-style afternoon tea). We love afternoon tea, and wanted to try the brunch, but sadly were unable to get reservations. While it IS possible to get on a waiting list mid-cruise, I recommend being at the restaurant a little prior to the moment they begin taking reservations. If you do want to eat there, but didn't get a reservation, your best bet is to get on the waiting list for the days in port & at Castaway Cay, since there are more cancellations. For a 7 day cruise, you'll be in each of the 3 dining rooms at least twice, so try to book Palo's so you get to try each dining room. Don't miss the first night of the Animator's Pallate - there's a clever and interesting lighting display that is put on.

The top deck...
The pools are nice, with a separate adult pool ("quiet cove") and bar. Since it is separated from the other areas by the ship's superstructure it really is quiet and kid-free. There is a large, netted sports area with basketball hoops and other sporting gear. The jogging track/route is pretty interesting - when my wife and I first went around it we thought we had entered a restricted area near the stern - the track literally passes thru the working deck on the stern. I would NOT recommend allowing small children to walk into this area; there are several openings that seem big enough for a small child to fall thru.

Entertainment...
Lot's of interesting bars, lounges etc. One thing I liked about Princess was their Caviar Bar, which cannot be found on Royal or Carnival. However I was delighted to find Caviar available in the most sultry & chic of the piano lounges on the ship.

As you may have guessed, the on board entertainment benefits from Disney's production capabilities. A revamped and tongue-in-cheek version of Hercules was extremely well produced, better than the movie. The set and props LOOKED expensive. The movie theatre played a number of current and recent releases and "looked" like a classic movie theatre, not just a dark room with a screen.

The Spa...
The spa is a relatively full service spa with comparable pricing and cruise ship offerings. The most interesting aspect is the "tropical rain forest" room, which is a well designed tiled room with special scented showers, heated relaxation chairs and several different dry/moist heat saunas. On any day that you get a spa treatment, you can get access to the room for half price (about $7.50). I really fell in love with this room, although there was several technical problems that I would not expect Disney to suffer from. The two scented showers were often out of scents, and some of their controls were not functional. They also are not heated! The eucalyptus is the steam room was way too strong, even for someone who likes it strong. The best part were the tile setee-like benches which are somehow heated. The experience of lying in on the warm bench, gentle rocking of the ship, and gurgling fountain always caused my to drift off into a peaceful rest. The exercise room had high-quality Cybex equipment, well maintained as well as an interesting view overlooking the ship's bridge.

The rooms...
For a family of more than 4 people of any age, we found it cheaper to go on Disney than the other lines, even though Disney is a pricey cruise. The reason for this is that the other lines limit 4 to a room - even if you have babies etc. We booked early a got the family suite, which was the most fabulous room I've ever been in on a cruise ship. A shower/tub (yes, tub) w/sink, and separate toilet room made getting ready easy. A nice balcony with sliding door, 2 chairs and a small table was wonderful. We had been worried about how safe the balcony was going to be for the kids: Unless they climb up over the fairly high rails, there is no way for them to escape the balcony. A sofa and nautical clothes locker, plus a bunk bed that drops out of the ceiling allows for a nice berth for everyone.

The TV had a variety of programming, more than I remember on other ships. The in-room "beverage cooler" could be improved upon; it seemed like the interior was only a few degrees cooler than the room. Don't bet on it for keeping baby formula or milk preserved...bring a small cooler instead.

One minor disappointment; our air conditioning unit dripped water onto the floor, soaking the entranceway almost to the bed. Two calls to maintenance resulted in a slight improvement, and they sopped up the accumulated water. However, the problem was not solved, and we were told it could not be. A little unusual for Disney...

Shopping...
Shopping on board was ok, not great. The other lines have more stores and more variety.

Check-in at the terminal...
The Disney terminal at Port Canaveral was much better for check-in than Ft. Launderdale's cruise terminal. Faster, friendlier, cleaner and we were able to park just a few feet from the door. Oh, and several Disney characters signed autographs and kept the kids amused while we waited to board.

Will adults without kids have a good time?
Yes, especially those that don't care about the casino, would like a nice day out on Castaway Cay, and who do not expect Crepe Suzette, Cherries Jubilee and a Champagne Fountain on their cruise. Disney goes out of their way to make sure that adults without kids are seated away from kids, have their own space and still have lots of fun.

Recommended: Yes

Best Suited For: Families