Disney Magic returns to dry dock for ‘re-imagining’

The Disney Magic is now returning to Spain for its “reimagineering.” The ship will be in dry dock in Cardiz, Spain from Sept. 7 to Oct. 10, 2013 and relaunch from Miami.

Disney rendering of Disney Magic. .

For the first time Marvel characters will be introduced to the Disney Cruise Line. The ship will also have a new lobby, new water thrill ride and additional interactive features.

“Walt Disney was a master storyteller and knew how to engage people’s emotions into stories. Our job is to take what we learned from Walt and apply it to the experiences on board our ships,”  Joe Lanzisero, senior creative vice president for Walt Disney Imagineering, said in a press release.

The highlights of the revamp include:

The Lobby: The three-deck lobby features hand-tufted, custom-made carpet, the art deco atrium chandelier is inspired by rays of the sun and the glisten of the surface of the ocean The lobby’s centerpiece is a cold-cast bronze statue of “Helmsman Mickey.”

The Play area: Disney’s Oceaneer Club, open to 3- to 12-year-old children, is re-imagined area that transports children to the magical realms of brave super heroes, adventuresome toys, fanciful fairies and Mickey Mouse’s club.

In the Oceaneer Club will be the Marvel’s Avengers Academy where super hero recruits will head on a multi-day, immersive experience where they interact with Marvel characters. Adjacent to Marvel’s Avengers Academy is Andy’s Room, where stars of the Disney-Pixar “Toy Story” trilogy come to life in a multi-level space. Next door is Pixie Hollow, where Tinker Bell’s teapot house serves as a costume closet. In addition is the  Mickey Mouse Club, another new children’s area for arts and crafts.

Water fun:  The upper ship decks are being redesigned to contain the AquaDunk, a three-story body slide that begins with a surprise launch. Riders step inside a translucent tube and await the near-vertical launch that takes place when the floor beneath them opens like a trap door. The drop sends guests through a translucent tube that extends 20 feet over the side of the ship.

The AquaLab is an interactive water playground with pop jets, geysers and bubblers. The Twist ‘n’ Spout water slide is  250 feet of sliding loops and turns. Tots up to age 3 can play in the Nephews’ Splash Zone.

Dining:  The Animator’s Palate will be updated with new, animation-adorned walls and larger high-definition flat-screens. Carioca’s, a new restaurant named after Donald Duck’s parrot pal in “The Three Caballeros,” Jose Carioca. Festooned with lighted lanterns, the restaurant is designed to be “fun by day, elegant by night.” 

Cabanas will be a casual dining experience with food and beverage stations during daytime hours and a table-service restaurant during dinner. The Australian setting of the Disney-Pixar animated classic “Finding Nemo” inspires the décor. Palo restaurant for adults receives a makeover with  fixtures, glass artwork and new stone floors.

Night fun: For adults there will be a new lineup of clubs for dancing, comedy, music and variety shows. After Hours replaces Beat Street. Fathoms night club is a celebration of the sea that utilizes special effects, lighting and sound to create different atmospheres from early evening to night.

O’Gill’s Pub, an Irish pub and sports bar designed with traditional decor is also on the ship as well as  Keys piano bar and lounge. 

Relaxation:  The Senses Spa & Salon is redesigned  and expanded by 725 square. The D Lounge offers family-friendly games, shows, dances and activities designed for all ages. This replaces the Studio Sea.