The Magic and Wonder of Disney Cruise Line
Monday, February 20, 2012
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| The Disney Magic |
MMS: The Disney Magic was the first ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. When did it first sail?
KD: The Disney Magic set sail on her maiden voyage on July 30, 1998.
MMS: The ship’s designers looked to the “Golden Age” of ocean liners, pulling inspiration from the elegance and splendor of early 20th century luxury ships. Can you describe the Magic’s décor? Does it seem reminiscent of ocean liners from that era?
KD: I have to say that Disney nailed it! Just one look at the Disney Magic and you are transported back to the golden age of yesteryear. From the twin funnels to the opulent décor found throughout the ship, Guests cannot help but feel like they have stepped back in history.
MMS: When Disney entered the cruise line industry, they wanted to set themselves apart from their counterparts. Do you think they achieved that goal with the launch of the Magic?
KD: With spacious staterooms, rotational dining, children’s programs that cannot be matched, Broadway style stage shows and Character experiences, I would say they accomplished their goal.
MMS: What aspects of the Disney Magic set the Disney experience apart from competitors?
KD: Aside from all the differences I just mentioned, Disney Cruise Line took one other area and ran away with it. Castaway Cay is Disney Cruise Line’s private island paradise. It is truly magnificent. You can enjoy a day at the beach that includes lunch and fun activities for the whole family. No need to worry if you are an adult looking for some peace and quiet. Castaway Cay has a spot for adults only called Serenity Bay and it is just that…serene.
MMS: This will date me, but growing up I watched a television show called The Love Boat. (It’s OK to laugh!) That show was set aboard a cruise ship, and while it was entertaining and I watched it every week, it made the whole cruising experience seem a bit dull. I know first-hand that a cruise on DCL is anything but boring! Can you tell us what travelers should expect aboard the Magic?
KD: We must be the same age! J I too grew up watching The Love Boat. I think that show is where my passion for cruising was sparked.
Guests should expect to have a wonderful vacation aboard any Disney Cruise ship. Disney Cruise Line has gone the extra mile to make sure that there is something for everyone no matter their age. You can do as little or as much as you want.
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| The Disney Wonder |
KD: They are very similar but not identical. The Disney Wonder set sail on August 15, 1999.
MMS: Is the Wonder as luxurious as the Magic? Is its décor similar?
KD: Yes, the Disney Wonder is as luxurious as the Disney Magic. The décor is art nouveau while the Magic décor is art deco. Both the ships are beautifully decorated. Di
sney Cruise Line never misses a beat when it comes to keeping up the theme throughout their ships.
MMS: What distinguishes a trip on the Wonder apart from one on the Magic? Is it a mere matter of destination and itinerary? (Are all the shows the same? Are the restaurants the same? Is the stateroom theming/décor the same?)
KD: Each one has a stage show that is unique to that ship. The destinations are different with the Wonder visiting the Mexican Riviera at the moment and the Magic sailing to the Caribbean. Most dining locations are the same. However the grand and casual dining rooms are different on each ship. The Disney Wonder is home to Triton’s and Beach Blanket Buffet and the Disney Magic features Lumiere’s and Topsider’s Buffet.
MMS: Do you have a personal preference between the two ships?
KD: I would gladly sail on either ship! I know with Disney Cruise Line I will have a wonderful cruise experience no matter which ship I am on.
MMS: Can you describe “the perfect cruise” aboard either the Disney Magic or the Disney Wonder?
KD: ….relaxing atmosphere, great service, laughter, unique dining experiences, fabulous entertainment, a visit from a beloved Disney Character, throw in a private island paradise and I think you have “the perfect cruise.”
Thanks for joining us again today, Kim! I tell you, after reading your descriptions, I’m about ready book a DCL cruise myself!
Today’s Takeaway:
As Kim told us, the Magic's interior is fashioned in the art deco style, while the Wonder's is art nouveau. Art nouveau was popular from the early 1880s to around 1914. Art deco picked up when the first World War ended and carried into the 1930s. Art nouveau sprang out of the industrial revolution, utilizing technological advances and spilling over from the fine arts (painting, sculpture) into the applied arts (furniture, jewelry). To my untrained eye, certain pieces of art deco and art nouveau artwork appear similar in presentation. However, architecture from each movement is very distinctive.
Scour the web and visit your local library and/or art museums to learn more about both art movements. Discover what details distinguish one style from the other. Here are a few handy websites to get you started:
~Find a nice description about each style, along with photos of period pieces, at "Art Nouveau to Art Deco," by Richard Whitehouse.
~Find a listing of "great buildings" at art nouveau architecture. Be sure to click on the building names to view photos.
~Find out all about Art Deco Architecture 411 and view some "great buildings" images here.
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| Magic interior (left) / Wonder interior (right) |
The state of Illinois offers free pdf downloads to build your own model "main street." One of the buildings included is the Senior Citizens' Building in Elgin, which was build in the art deco style in 1930 as a Citidel for the Salvation Army. Download, print and build your own here!SCHOOL SUBJECT: Art and Architecture
SKILL LEVEL: High School - All levels can study the topic; I would suggest high schoolers to continue further research.
*Ship photos courtesy Disney Cruise Line, Wikipedia and About.com.
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