Disney Magic vs. Disney Wonder
Since the Disney Cruise Line fleet will soon be expanding to include four ships, I wanted to take a moment to look back at the two ships that started it all, the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder.
These two sister ships are similar in many ways, but also incredibly unique. Unique décor gives each ship its own feel and vibe, while at the same time, honoring the great ocean liners of the past, and sprinkling in a little Disney magic. This blog is going to take a look at the differences between the two ships, both in décor and onboard facilities.
Basic Facts:
The Disney Magic first set sail in 1998, with the Disney Wonder following a year later in 1999. Both ships are registered in the Bahamas and were built by Fincantieri Shipyards in Italy. Each ship has a gross tonnage http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gross_tonnage) of approx. 83,000, is 964 feet long, 106 feet wide, and cruises at an average speed of 21 to 23 knots (25-28 mph or 40-44kph). Both ships hold approx. 2400 passengers in 877 staterooms and have 11 passenger decks.
Exterior:
From the outside, there are only two major differences between the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder, the first being the artwork adorning the bow and stern. On the bow of the Disney Magic is Sorcerer Mickey.
On the bow of the Disney Wonder, you will find Steamboat Willie.
If you are especially observant, you might notice some of Mickey’s friends hanging out in the scrollwork on the bow of both ships.
On the stern of the Disney Magic is Botswain Goofy.
On the stern of the Disney Wonder is Donald and his troublemaking nephews.
The second difference between the two ships is in the shape of the fake portholes of the Navigator’s Verandah staterooms. These are the category 7 staterooms that have a partially enclosed verandah. As you can see below, the Disney Magic has smallish, round portholes.
Disney made a slight modification to the Disney Wonder to allow guests in Navigator’s Verandah staterooms a better view. On the Disney Wonder, the portholes are larger and oblong.
General Décor:
In the tradition of the great ocean liners, the Disney Magic is decorated in the Art Deco style http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_Deco This style focuses on geometric shapes, warm tones, and elegance. In contrast to the Art Deco style of the Disney Magic, the Disney Wonder is decorated in the Art Nouveau style http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_Nouveau which focuses on soft colors and organic shapes.
The next two photos are of the guest services area on both ships. Notice the elegance and geometry of the Disney Magic in the first picture, and compare it with the softer lines and grand style of the Disney Wonder in the second picture.
The next two photos show the different décor as it plays out around the ship. Everything from the chairs, to the curtains, to the carpeting changes to reflect the unique style of each ship. The Disney Magic is pictured first and the Disney Wonder is pictured second.
Atrium:
The elegant atriums of the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder are not only the hub of much of the activity on the ship, but also a showcase of the Art Deco and Art Nouveau décor of each ship. On the Disney Magic, the atrium is centered on Helmsmen Mickey.
On the Disney Wonder, the atrium is centered on Ariel.
Each atrium exhibits the character of its ship, and, as the first part of the ship guests experience, sets the tone for the rest of the ship. Notice the classic elegance of the Disney Magic.
On the Disney Wonder, the atrium exudes the playfulness of the sea, as well as the grandeur of a great ocean liner.
Restaurants:
On the Disney Magic, Lumiere’s is the grand dining room. This Art Deco inspired dining room features a giant Beauty and the Beast mural, domed roses, and the elegance of a day gone by.
On the Disney Wonder, Triton’s is the grand dining room. This Art Nouveau inspired dining room features a giant Little Mermaid mural, lighting that subtly transports you under the sea, and bubbles aplenty.
Also on the Disney Magic, the deck 9 buffet is known as Topsider, and boasts a nautical motif.
On the Disney Wonder, the deck 9 buffet is known as Beach Blanket Buffet, and has a laid-back beachside atmosphere.
Nightclubs:
On the Disney Magic, the adult nightclub district is known as Beat Street. This center of nightlife features a dance/show club called Rockin’ Bar D, a relaxed lounge called Sessions, a duty-free store called Off Beat, and a sports pub called Diversions (identical on both ships)
On the Disney Wonder, the adult nightclub district is known as Route 66. This nighttime entertainment hub features a dance/show club called Wavebands, the Cadillac Lounge for relaxing piano music, a duty-free store called Radar Trap, and a sports pub called Diversions (identical on both ships).
Ocean Quest:
Found only on the Disney Magic, Ocean Quest is a space for tweens ages 11-13 and was carved out of the conference rooms on deck 2. (On the Disney Wonder, this space is still used as meeting rooms.) Also of note, the teen club on the Disney Magic is called The Stack, and the teen club on the Disney Wonder is called Aloft. Despite the difference in names, the two clubs are virtually identical.
Outlook Café:
Found only on the Disney Wonder, the Outlook Café was added during the Wonder’s 2009 dry dock to add additional indoor space for the Alaskan cruises. This beautiful space is connected by a spiral staircase to the Cove Café and overlooks the Quiet Cove pool.
Well, there you have it. A photo description of the differences between the two sister ships, the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder.
Look for the 2 new ships, the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy to have similar differences.
I was just on the Wonder in January 2010, seems like it was ages ago. Thank you for the walk down memory lane and the comparison of both these beautiful and stunning ships. I can’t wait until our next sailing which I’m hoping will be the Dream.
I’m getting ready to go on my first Disney Cruise. Sailing on the Wonder. Great pictures! I can’t wait to go even more!