A lot is happening aboard the Disney Magic and Wonder Cruise Ships. Here's the latest DCL news
Disney Cruise Line's Port Canaveral terminal to be updated
As the launch date approaches for Disney Cruise Line’s two new ships, the Dream and the Fantasy, updates will be made to the cruise terminal at Port Canaveral. The terminal will be expanded and a new six-floor parking garage will be constructed to accommodate more guests. In addition, the terminal interior will also receive more check-in locations and an increased area for luggage. These adjustments are being made in an effort to meet the needs of the increased number of guests expected to travel on the new (and much larger) ships.
New on the Disney Magic since dry dock in September, 2008:
New TV’s on the Disney Magic. All of the televisions on the Disney Magic have been replaced with LG LCD panels in the staterooms and suites on the ship. Additionally, the televisions are all digital.
Photo by Kevin Klose
The safes in the room have all been replaced. Instead of using your Key to the World card to open and lock the safe, you are now instructed to enter a 4 digit code. The new safes are larger than the previous ones and a small laptop will now fit inside (very small). This is much nicer since before you needed to have the same card to open and close the safe and if that card is not available, you were not able to get in. Now, you just need everyone in your room to know the code.
The lockers in the locker rooms also are now using a 4 digit code rather than a key now.
New washers and dryers on the Magic!! These have been replaced in all of the three laundry rooms on the ship. The units are slightly smaller on the outside than the old units, but the space inside is the same. The cost has not changed and the cycles are $1.00 for the washer and $1.00 for the dryer. The best news is that the dryers work better! I was able to wash two large loads for 29 minutes in the washers and 45 minutes in the dryer. I had jeans in one of the loads so I expected to pay for another cycle. At the end of the 45 minutes, everything was completely dry!
Other changes with drydock included the addition of the splash zone by the Mickey pool and refurbishment of Quiet Cove. All of the lounge chairs have been replaced with the teak wood chairs with cushions. The tile floor in the pool has been replaced with a blue painted floor. All of the hot tubs (even by the Goofy pool) have been replaced with stainless steel tubs. The coloring around the pool is now in mostly blue with white and black accents rather than the mother of pearl coloring on the Wonder.
In Sessions, the stage area was moved so that when you walk by, you will be able to see what is going on inside. Basically, the stage area was switched with the seating area on the far side of the room.
Up Beat has been totally rearranged to have more of a selection. Instead of a couple tables by the door and a long counter, the counter is now smaller and to the right when you enter with shelving units on the back and the side with a couple table displays.
Most of the carpeting has been replaced throughout the public areas of the ship. The chairs have all been reupholstered in all the dining rooms and public areas.
Shutters has starting using a Photopass type system. It is still in the beginning stages, but the portrait sessions are using the system. They are also still printing out the photos as well. When you get your photo taken they scan your Key to the World card. Then there are kiosks where you can view all your pictures. You cannot look at your pictures after you leave the ship online like with Photopass however. After the New Year they will be getting a software package that will do facial recognition. They are also working on a way that you can check your photos online after the cruise, but again, it is not set up that way yet.
Finally, two of the engines on the ship were replaced in
dry dock and a new coating was put on the keel of the ship.
We were told that this was the most expensive dry dock that the Magic has gone through with many enhancements that may not be totally visible to the guests.
Disney Cruise Line's Military discounts are available for all branches of active and retired members of the Military. It also is extended to certain divisions within the "Department of Defense": FBI, CIA, Secret Service and NASA (Kennedy Space Center and Houston)
NEW FINAL PAYMENT POLICY
As of November 1, 2008, any DCL reservation which is not paid in full by the balance due date will automatically be canceled. Additonally, Disney Cruise Line will not be notifying guests when this payment date is pending.
Disney Cruise Line has announced the first ever Northern European Capitals Cruises for 2010. Additionally, the popular 10 and 11 night Mediterranean Cruises are returning.
In addition to the Transatlantic Cruises, there will be two more repositioning voyages from Barcelona to Dover, England for the Northern European cruises and a return to Barcelona from Dover for the Mediterranean cruises. Click Here
NEW CANCELLATION POLICY
If you need to cancel your cruise and are within the penalty period for doing so, Disney Cruise Line will no longer allow you to change the date. You will be required to cancel your existing cruise and absorb whatever penalties are in effect and rebook the new date.
Palo Price Increase
Effective 1/10/08 on the Disney Wonder and 1/12/08 on the Disney Magic, the price of dining at Palo increases to $15 per person for both the brunch and dinner. (NOTE: This increase is applicable to NEW bookings only. If you already have Palo booked, the $10 rate will be honored.)
The Palo Service Team will get $5 of this fee while $10 will go towards maintaining and enhancing the venue.
Toy Story - The Musical
Disney Cruise Line's latest stage show is being performed on the Disney Wonder.
The Disney Rewards Visa Offer has been extended through 2009.
When Guests reserve their cruise for any sailings in 2009 and pay in full using their Disney’s Rewards Visa Card they will receive a $50 onboard credit per stateroom for Categories 1-12. Certain restrictions apply
Onboard Airline Check-In Program:
Disney Cruise Line has announced that the Onboard Airline Check-In program will be offered to all DCL Guests via the DCL Guest Ticket Booklet beginning January 2008. Guests who have purchased Disney Cruise Line Air and/or Ground Transfers can now register for Onboard Airline Check-in at the terminal or at their resort.
Guests who book their air through DCL or provides their independent air arrangements in advance will receive a form with the information filled in. Blank forms will also be available. These are to be turned in at the port or at the resort's guest services.
Guests who do pre-register will receive their airline boarding pass and will check-in their luggage while onboard the ship.
Please note: The airline check-in adjacent to the Disney Cruise Line bus terminal has been closed
Disney Magic Character Breakfast
The Disney Magic Character Breakfast is now "Mickey's Island Jam." Guests will be invited to join in the fun with Mickey and Friends as they dance and play to a Caribbean beat.
Insurance Rate Increase
Disney Cruise Line has increased the rate for travel insurance by $10 per person for the first and second guest in a stateroom. This impacts new bookings and guests who add insurance now.
Disney Cruise Line is introducing wireless internet as well as stateroom access for cell phones.
Parrot Cay goes a la carte on Castaway Cay Day
The Parrot Cay restaurant aboard the Disney Magic and Wonder will offer a a la carte menu while the ship's are visiting Castaway Cay
Disney Dreams Stage Show and Sail Away Party Enhanced
The award winning "Disney Dreams" stage show has become "Disney Dreams...An Enchanted Classic." Timon and Pumbaa will be making their debut aboard the Disney Cruise Line when they appear as part of the Lion King's "I Just Can't Wait to be King" and "Hakuna Matata" numbers.
During the "Beauty and the Beast" number, you'll have "snow" falling from above while sparkling pyrotechnics enhance Cinderella's transformation from rags to radiance.
Best of all, Tinkerbell will "fly" overhead leaving a glittery trail of "pixie dust" in her path.
On both ships the summer voyages will kick off an expanded Sail Away Party. The interactive dances will feature new music, the Disney characters and the "Ariel Vision" jumbo screen. It might be you seen dancing on the big screen among the special effects planned during this celebration.
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Photo by Kevin Klose
