Notes: We have been fortunate enough to sail on the Disney Magic six times so far. Our past 4 sailings have been in either cabin 8030 (Roy O Disney Suite) or 8530 (Walter E Disney Suite). The two Cat-1 suites are identical in size and layout but with small differences in dýcor. Cabin 8030 is paneled with a light shade burlwood cabinetry throughout the suite. Cabin 8530 has dark wood cabinetry and a baby grand piano in the central common area. Both cabins are spacious and feel very luxurious. I wish it was possible to post pictures of the suites with this review as they would more truly reflect how special these cabins are. Keep in mind both these suites are more than 1,000 square feet in size. As large as four regular Cat-4 cabins set end-to-end, there is plenty of room to spread out and feel at home while you sail to paradise. Here is a link to the DCL website with views of these suites. Please keep in mind some of what follows is purely my opinion based on my personal experiences.
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/dcl/en_US/onboard/staterooms/detail?name=RoyalSuiteDetailPage
One of the most overlooked aspects of cruising in the Cat 1, 2 or 3 suites is the included concierge service. Many fellow cruisers have said you spend little time in your cabin so what the room is like doesnýt really matter. It is also true that these are the most expensive accommodations on an already very expensive ship. I agree it is better to be on board in a Cat 12 cabin than to watch the ship sail away without you. However, if you felt pampered before, it really doesnýt compare to these classes of cabins. The concierge staff will do almost anything to make certain you and your family has the vacation of a lifetime.
When you first board this ship, you are escorted to the concierge lounge where staff from each department greets you. Your children are registered into the Oceaneer Club or Lab right then so there is no waiting in line later. Reservations to Palo or the Spa are held aside for suite guests. Even tickets for hard-to-get shore activities can be made during your registration. Dining times or seating arrangements can be made or altered. Also, there are usually one or two ýConcierge Guests Onlyý receptions during your cruise. Make no mistake; Disney cast members try very hard to ensure ALL guests have a wonderful trip. But, there definitely IS a difference in the level of service between concierge and non-concierge guest cabins.
Here is the description of these suites from the DISBoards Deck Plans page:
Category 1
Two bedrooms w/queen-size beds, two and a half baths, whirlpool tub, living area with convertible sofa walk-in closets, wet bar, VCR, private verandah, Concierge service. Sleeps 7 people.
This description does not do justice to these cabins. If you visited the Disney Cruise Line link above to view inside these cabins, youýll begin to get a feeling for how nice the suites truly are. You wonýt mind spending time in your cabin. In fact, they might have to force you to leave when the cruise is over.
When you first enter either suite you are directed down a small, richly paneled hallway toward the central ýlivingý room area. In this hallway are a small butlerýs pantry (a great place to store empty luggage if you donýt plan to entertain guests) and powder room. On the opposite side is a door connecting directly to the master bedroom suite.
As you enter the main room of the suite, youýll notice the outboard wall is all glass doors leading to the expansive veranda. On one side, there is a dining room with a table large enough for 6-8 people. On the other side of the ýlivingý room, there is a library/sitting/extra bedroom with a fold out Murphy bed in one wall. The living room contains a wet bar, mini refrigerator and TV/DVD system with Bose sound system for viewing shows or movies. A full size sofa and two arm chairs provide comfortable seating for your whole family to relax and relive the day.
Through the dining room leads you to a separate bedroom for children with bunk beds for four young people. There is a full bathroom with sinks and tub plus a walk-in closet for all their clothes and luggage. The kidsý room is on the opposite side of the cabin from the master bedroom so there is privacy for the adults.
The master bedroom is richly appointed with a queen size bed, his and her closets and a sit down vanity. There are several dressers in the room for folding clothes. There is a full size bathroom with walk-in shower, roman bathtub, twin sinks with a large granite countertop, decent shelf space, good lighting and plenty of mirrors to get ready for formal night dinners in comfort.
Granted, these cabins are not for everyone. Some travelers would not think the extra space, service and appointments worth the extra cost involved. But, if you have are vacationing for a special occasion or just feel like stretching out and relaxing while the Disney cast pampers you and your family, check out these wonderful cabins.
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