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Just 10 or 15 shots that were ill-timed?

I wonder if they had a technical challenge as the usual display is a lot longer with many more products launched and they are shot "in time" or synchronised with the music? :confused:

 

Was it not like this? (Skip to 5:30)

 

The fireworks were much more sparse, there were "gaps" in the fireworks too. I may have exaggerated that there were only 15 fireworks total, but that's how it felt at the time due to the sparseness of fireworks.

The show/fireworks were delayed by 30 minutes, so perhaps they were having technical difficulties.

[*]The memorable Pirate night followed by amazing fireworks.

[*]Unlimited supply of yummy Mickey Heads

[*]Actual cups at the soda (Free Soda) Dispensers vs the tiny little two sip plastic cups on other lines.

The fireworks on the Magic was pretty unimpressive, just 10 or 15 ill-timed shots here and there.

Disney also ran out of Mickey Heads on Day 3 of the cruise.

However, I agree with you, the fact that soda and juice is free is a nice touch.

Hi,

However, then I was informed that boarding would not commence until 1PM at the earliest. Can someone verify this for me? I am traveling with a one year old and a 3 year old, so any advice is welcome.

Embarkation day is tiring for little kids... Registration is slow, then there is boarding and security. Once you're on the ship, your rooms won't be ready till 1:00PM or so; after that, there is the mandatory safety drill. The buffet once you arrive on the ship is usually a nuthouse as everyone is hungry and eager to gobble what they can :)

Saying that, the waiting area pre-boarding isn't too bad, lots of seating, and if you wander around, you should be able to find a quiet area for you and your family.

However, I suggest you bring snacks for the kids and some activities to keep them busy for a couple hours.

and if you pay attention on the Disney park forums you will hear many people complaining about how cost cutting and management have ruined the parks and let them go downhill.

I was a bit dismayed with the condition of Disney World, faded signs, old monorails, rust, water spots on the ceiling of it's a small world.

However, Disneyland is still very well kept.

To each his own. But at least Disney offers steak or chicken...or at least they used to. I think they may have taken one away and added a fish?

Disney still offers steak, daily if you wish, but their sirloin is one of toughest, blandest, and most inedible steaks I've ever had.

The tenderloin was fine, although tasteless.

And the Oasis class or new NCL or Carnival ships cannot accommodate that space within their staterooms?

On the Disney Magic, the oldest and smallest ship, staterooms start at 184 square feet. On the Oasis, staterooms start at 150 square feet! Even the standard inside stateroom on an Oasis class ship is only 172 square feet.

Interestingly, the newer Disney Dream/Fantasy have a tad smaller staterooms, but still larger than the starting size on Oasis.

I know NCL screwed up with a weird sink in the bedroom/stateroom and exposed bathroom thing, but if parents with kids really love it, why hasn't any other cruise line adopted the same facility?

Takes up a lot more space, I would estimate the split bath is about 1.5 - 1.75 the size of a regular cruise ship bathroom.

That's why there are so many different cruise lines. Some people prefer quality over quantity, others are simply not price sensitive. Enjoy your cruise.

In terms of service, I found Disney to be only slightly better than Carnival. Food was the same as Carnival, or perhaps worse considering the only late night buffet on Pirate's Night was pretty pitiful.

However, where Disney does excel is with the cabin design - the split baths, split room, and huge viewing window. Not to mention, the children's programs, child care, character meet and greets, Disney shows, and Disney flourishes to the ship.

If you're not a Disney fan or do not have kids, Disney prices may not be worth it. However, for families, especially those with young kids, I think Disney is an excellent choice.

I've heard a lot of rumblings lately that the Magic (DCL) was looking worn out. The ship just returned from drydock, and there were more complaints after than there had been before. So I don't think Disney is immune to having wear and tear, or even cleanliness issues.

The magic did not receive a full make over, it would be more accurate to call it a "touch up". Carpets, bedding, and some other cursory items were renovated, but otherwise the ship is pretty much as-is.

When we arrived in our room, a dresser was missing! There were "three" holes in the dry wall to greet us. Apparently the dresser fell over on the previous cruise due to shoddy workmanship at the dry dock.

I just got off a Disney cruise and was very happy with the kids programming. The shows were very good, although perhaps a little too heavy on the Disney "princess" theme. Thankfully Disney now has some new IP including Marvel / Star Wars perhaps they can start incorporating those properties into their shows in the future.

The cabin was fantastic and definitely defined for a family in mind, especially the split bathroom and separable sleeping areas.

Food was mediocre for the most part, not comparable to the food options of previous cruises I've been on. Edible, family restaurant grade.

I liked how Disney has a lot of characters for photo opportunities - much better than lining up in the heat at WDW.

For a young family I think DCL is great choice but families with older kids or more sophisticated tastes may want to consider another cruise line first.

We have an opportunity to travel last minute on a Disney Cruise Dec 8-12. We are Canadian so we would be travelling into the US then during the cruise visiting Bahamas.

My 8 year old son passport expires Dec 16th 2013. There isn't anyway we would get the new passport back in time for the cruise. Anyone aware if this would be a problem.

Processing times are pretty short these days for Passports, the expected return date is posted at the Passport office.

It took <2 weeks to get my new passport back.

If that is too long, you can get a rush passport in about 24 - 48 hours for an extra fee and a lecturing from the passport officer about proper planning :o

I was on the Magic a week ago, to add, there was also Tuxedo Donald, Sailor Donald, Christmas Minnie, Hawaiian Mickey and I think a Hawaiian Goofy too.