Magic/Wonder VS Dream/Fantasy??

[Crush Dude!]

Hi folks, just off The Disney Magic a few weeks ago and booked on The Fantasy for next year and just wondering how do the 2 generations of ships compare??

Our trip on The Magic was our first cruise and really enjoyed the atmosphere and intimacy of the ship, is any of this lost on The Dream with it being 40% larger??

The Magic seemed to be immaculate from how clean the ship is kept and how fresh it looks, it does not look as if its over a decade old! Does The Dream somehow top this?

How do the rooms compare? We had an indoor cabin which was perfect for us and on the Fantasy we have the same as we wanted to have the Magic Porthole!

Are/Will the restaurants be better on the new ships or just fresher? We loved all 3 restaurants on The Magic, Palo was also great and really liked topsiders too! If the new ships can better these they must be amazing!

Hope i dont sound worried as im far from it, cant wait to cruise on The Fantasy, im just looking for your opinion on how and if Disney have ecxcelled what they did with The Magic and The Wonder,

Looking forward to reading your thoughts and opinions,
thanks in advance :wave::wave::wave:

 

[ChuckElias]

I've only been on the Dream once, and it was only a 3-night cruise, so I'm not the best authority, but I'll give you my impressions.

Our trip on The Magic was our first cruise and really enjoyed the atmosphere and intimacy of the ship, is any of this lost on The Dream with it being 40% larger??

Maybe a little bit, but not in the important spaces. The atrium seems a lot bigger on the Dream, the Walt Disney Theater is MUCH bigger and does have a different feel to me because of that. But the lounges (especially Skyline and Pink) keep a very intimate feel. Even the 687 lounge (essentially Diversions on the classic ships) seems to keep the same feel as the classic ships. Quiet Cove has a really nice feel to it, still seems as close and quiet as always. And while the restaurants are bigger, we didn't ever feel like we were in a big cafeteria.

The Magic seemed to be immaculate from how clean the ship is kept and how fresh it looks, it does not look as if its over a decade old! Does The Dream somehow top this?

I have to say that it does. We love the Magic -- LOVE it -- but the Dream really did look like it set sail the day before we boarded. It was immaculate in every detail.

How do the rooms compare? We had an indoor cabin which was perfect for us and on the Fantasy we have the same as we wanted to have the Magic Porthole!

We also had an inside stateroom on the Dream and it was wonderful. We loved the Virtual Porthole. They've made some changes, but they're all good ones, IMHO. The digital clock is nice, the iPod port is nice, but it's essentially the same as the staterooms we've had on the Magic.

Are/Will the restaurants be better on the new ships or just fresher? We loved all 3 restaurants on The Magic, Palo was also great and really liked topsiders too! If the new ships can better these they must be amazing!

The only restaurant that I liked better on the Dream was Animator's Palette. It was honestly amazing. (And from what I understand, Animator's Palette will be even MORE amazing on the Fantasy!) The Enchanted Garden and Royal Palace were both very nice, but I actually like Lumiere's/Triton's better than Royal Palace and I would say that Parrot Cay and Enchanted Garden are about the same for me.

If you liked Topsider's, then I think you will LOVE Cabana's. It took me a little while to get used to the layout, but I thought the food was better, the decor was really fantastic, and it was just really fun.

We didn't try Palo on the Dream, b/c we just didn't have time and didn't want to miss one of the rotational restaurants, but we walked through and, of course, it's beautiful.

Enjoy the Fantasy, I have no idea when I'll get aboard.

 

[Crush Dude!]

I've only been on the Dream once, and it was only a 3-night cruise, so I'm not the best authority, but I'll give you my impressions.

Maybe a little bit, but not in the important spaces. The atrium seems a lot bigger on the Dream, the Walt Disney Theater is MUCH bigger and does have a different feel to me because of that. But the lounges (especially Skyline and Pink) keep a very intimate feel. Even the 687 lounge (essentially Diversions on the classic ships) seems to keep the same feel as the classic ships. Quiet Cove has a really nice feel to it, still seems as close and quiet as always. And while the restaurants are bigger, we didn't ever feel like we were in a big cafeteria.

I have to say that it does. We love the Magic -- LOVE it -- but the Dream really did look like it set sail the day before we boarded. It was immaculate in every detail.


We also had an inside stateroom on the Dream and it was wonderful. We loved the Virtual Porthole. They've made some changes, but they're all good ones, IMHO. The digital clock is nice, the iPod port is nice, but it's essentially the same as the staterooms we've had on the Magic.

The only restaurant that I liked better on the Dream was Animator's Palette. It was honestly amazing. (And from what I understand, Animator's Palette will be even MORE amazing on the Fantasy!) The Enchanted Garden and Royal Palace were both very nice, but I actually like Lumiere's/Triton's better than Royal Palace and I would say that Parrot Cay and Enchanted Garden are about the same for me.

If you liked Topsider's, then I think you will LOVE Cabana's. It took me a little while to get used to the layout, but I thought the food was better, the decor was really fantastic, and it was just really fun.

We didn't try Palo on the Dream, b/c we just didn't have time and didn't want to miss one of the rotational restaurants, but we walked through and, of course, it's beautiful.

Enjoy the Fantasy, I have no idea when I'll get aboard.

Some great insight into the comparisons of the boats thanks Chuck!

I cant wait to see the atrium of the Fantasy its looking like it will be stunning!

How different was Animators Palette?
This is my fave Restaurant on The Magic!

The layout in the buffet is no longer one long cue, it must take some getting used to?? The variety of food much better than topsiders?

Oh and we'll have a blast On The Fantasy, first trip to Castaway Cay woohoo :sohappy:

 

[ChuckElias]

How different was Animators Palette?

Very different. The "show" on the Wonder and Magic is that the restaurant goes from black-and-white to color. That doesn't happen at all on the Dream. But there is a very fun interactive "show" on the Dream (I don't want to spoil it, if you haven't already heard about it), and the decor is very different.

And what I've heard is that, on the Fantasy, there will be an electronic sketch pad at your table and your sketches may be displayed on the walls. I think there was a thread that mentioned that. Hold on, while I go look for it. . . .

Ah. Here we are: http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=746057

One of my favorite new highlights is “Animation Magic” at Animator’s Palate. This is a dinner show that celebrates the magic of Disney animation and allows families to participate in a unique new way. Everyone will be a “guest animator,” as they will be invited to draw a character of their own using a simple template on their placemat. Later, these sketches will be revealed on several large screens along the walls to join in an animated sequence with beloved Disney characters. Check out this photo that illustrates some of the magic that will dazzle guests during their dining experience

The layout in the buffet is no longer one long cue, it must take some getting used to?? The variety of food much better than topsiders?

Yes, it definitely took getting used to. There's no beginning to any line, so early in the cruise, people sort of milled around each counter. But, yes, I think the food quality and selection was better than at Topsider's/Beach Blanket Buffet.

Now, I will be at the Beach Blanket Buffet in less than 48 hours, so when I get back, I may report that the menu now matches Cabana's. But as of my last trip, it was not as good as Cabana's.

 

[Crush Dude!]

Very different. The "show" on the Wonder and Magic is that the restaurant goes from black-and-white to color. That doesn't happen at all on the Dream. But there is a very fun interactive "show" on the Dream (I don't want to spoil it, if you haven't already heard about it), and the decor is very different.

And what I've heard is that, on the Fantasy, there will be an electronic sketch pad at your table and your sketches may be displayed on the walls. I think there was a thread that mentioned that. Hold on, while I go look for it. . . .

Ah. Here we are: http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=746057



Yes, it definitely took getting used to. There's no beginning to any line, so early in the cruise, people sort of milled around each counter. But, yes, I think the food quality and selection was better than at Topsider's/Beach Blanket Buffet.

Now, I will be at the Beach Blanket Buffet in less than 48 hours, so when I get back, I may report that the menu now matches Cabana's. But as of my last trip, it was not as good as Cabana's.

Is the show on The Dream something to do with Crush??

Sounds great!!! Love Animators on the Magic and sound like its only gonna get better :sohappy::sohappy:

And thats great about Cabana's hate havin to wait for sum1 to choose what oatmeal they want when in tryin to get me some Mickey Waffles :lol::slurp::slurp:

 

[Crush Dude!]

Any one else have any opinions?? :wave:

 

[Disneyfalcon]

Any one else have any opinions?? :wave:

Chuck's covering it pretty well!

Cabanas is great. Love the new set up.

Animators on the Dream features Crush. He swims around to screens set up all around the restaurant and interacts with guests.

Palo is beautiful, as is Remy.

The virtual portholes were so fun. It's the first time I wouldn't mind an inside room.

 

[Crush Dude!]

Chuck's covering it pretty well!

Cabanas is great. Love the new set up.

Animators on the Dream features Crush. He swims around to screens set up all around the restaurant and interacts with guests.

Palo is beautiful, as is Remy.

The virtual portholes were so fun. It's the first time I wouldn't mind an inside room.

Yeah lookin forward to seeing the virtual Porthole :sohappy:

Do you find it hard to go back on The Magic or Wonder after cruising on The Dream???

 

[Disneyfalcon]

Yeah lookin forward to seeing the virtual Porthole :sohappy:

Do you find it hard to go back on The Magic or Wonder after cruising on The Dream???

I thought I would, but I felt at home as soon as I boarded. Plus I was so excited to be going to Alaska, it didn't really matter which ship I was on.

 

[Crush Dude!]

I thought I would, but I felt at home as soon as I boarded. Plus I was so excited to be going to Alaska, it didn't really matter which ship I was on.

Thats great, little worried that the new ships myt spoil us but, ithink being our first cruise The Magic will always be " home"

Have ye dined at Remi??

 

[ScoutN]

Excellent thread! I am personally glad there is no poll as those are skewed by those with experience on one or neither voting.

I have yet to go on a DCL trip even though I venture to the world 4-5 times a year from Va... Sad to have never been on one I know.

 

[Crush Dude!]

Excellent thread! I am personally glad there is no poll as those are skewed by those with experience on one or neither voting.

I have yet to go on a DCL trip even though I venture to the world 4-5 times a year from Va... Sad to have never been on one I know.

Yeah i didnt think the thread required a poll as all 4 ships are/will be amazing!

Its just to find out the subtle differences:wave:

 

[ChuckElias]

Take my word for it, even after being on the Dream, cruising on the Wonder is just like coming home. It's been awesome. We even had warm sunshine in Skagway yesterday. Rain today in Juneau for our whalewatch Still gonna be great, I'm sure. At 75 cents a minute for internet, this will be my only post till I get home. Having a great time!!! :sohappy:

 

[Crush Dude!]

Take my word for it, even after being on the Dream, cruising on the Wonder is just like coming home. It's been awesome. We even had warm sunshine in Skagway yesterday. Rain today in Juneau for our whalewatch Still gonna be great, I'm sure. At 75 cents a minute for internet, this will be my only post till I get home. Having a great time!!! :sohappy:

Sounds Amazing!!!

Great to hear its like comin home! Thread has kinda put any fears i myt hav had to rest!

Have a blast cant wait to hear bwt it :wave: