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Experiencing Disney's magic on a UK staycation

Disney Magic at Sea offers a unique family-focused "seacation", discovers Helen Wright as she hops onboard with her partner and two children

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The thing about staycations, they say, is the weather – you never know what you’re going to get.

 

I can certainly confirm that to be the case. We’re currently onboard Disney Magic at Sea and the kids are howling in delight because it’s snowing. Not real snow; a flurry of the Disney kind.

 

Elsa is here, of course, with Anna, Olaf, and the whole Frozen gang. A glance over the port side confirms the late summer sun is still warming the waves back in the real world, just as it was when we left Southampton. As the sun sets, bubbles of foam blow lightly in the wind and land on my daughter’s curls as she dances on the deck. It really is quite magical.

 

My family and I are onboard Disney Magic at Sea’s UK Staycation sail, a first-of-its-kind cruise for Disney Cruise Line around the British Isles. Cruise “sailcations” have been enormously popular this year for many major cruise lines as we recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic – and 48% of holidaymakers who have taken one this year plan to book another within the next 12 months, according to cruise.co.uk.

 

As a family with two children, Finn aged four and Isobel aged two, a local cruise with Disney at the helm was just too good an opportunity to miss. Holidays to the US, France and Asia are still very much restricted, so I certainly didn’t think I’d see my children blowing a kiss to Minnie Mouse this year. Yet, here we are enjoying an epic Disney holiday, just a few hours from our own home – what a treat!

 

Customers worried that the staycation sail won’t deliver the full Disney experience can be assured that, while there is no castle to visit, guests are certainly given the royal treatment. Although Disney Magic usually sails to Nassau in the Bahamas and Disney’s private island Castaway Cay, for families, the real magic is onboard rather than in the destinations, with Disney Cruise Line being well regarded for offering impeccable service, spacious staterooms and a unique opportunity to see Disney movies come to life alongside ocean views.

SUITE DREAMS

We opted for a Deluxe Verandah Stateroom, which is perfectly proportioned with a large bed and ample space for an infant crib and a pull-out bed for Finn. I’m not embarrassed to say I actually squeal when I see it also has a bathtub! I’m certain all parents will agree that a bath makes scrubbing the kids a whole lot easier.

 

For clients enquiring about accessibility, all Disney Cruise Line vessels offer a range of wheelchair-accessible staterooms and suites. Most guest areas onboard including theatres, restaurants and shops are also fully accessible for wheelchair users.

Writer and blogger Helen with her children Isobel and Finn. Photo by Helen Wright
Writer and blogger Helen with her children Isobel and Finn. Photo by Helen Wright

ENCHANTING EXCHANGES

For us, Disney character interactions throughout the ship really made this trip memorable. I wasn’t sure how much Isobel would understand, but she was enchanted by the spectacle of it all.

 

From the majestic princesses waving in the atrium to cool Marvel characters including Spiderman, Thor, Black Panther and Captain Marvel making surprise appearances, both kids were beside themselves with excitement from the moment we boarded.

 

Theatre lovers will also be thrilled to find two Broadway-style shows onboard at no extra charge. Getting to see a live performance felt extra-special, since theatres in the UK have been dark for so long. Aside from the larger productions, Disney Magic at Sea also offers imaginative themed dining, in particular at Animator’s Palate and Rapunzel’s Royal Table, where the mid-dinner entertainment is both funny and emotive.

 

The adult-only areas, which include a pool, spa, choice of bars and fine-dining restaurant, Palo, provide a peaceful sanctuary away from the family fun elsewhere on the ship.

 

Arguably though, the real highlight for parents is Disney’s Oceaneer Club, the fully inclusive kid’s club. After a year of home school and isolating, it’s pure luxury for parents to escape for a pint or a pamper knowing their children are safely having the time of their lives in the Toy Story and Marvel-themed play area downstairs.

SAFETY FIRST

Adults must be fully vaccinated to cruise with Disney and PCR tests are required for children. All passengers also take a Rapid Antigen test at the cruise terminal. The process is quick and easy and we see no complaints from guests who readily accept this new requirement.

 

Once onboard, the ship feels like the safest place we’ve been since the pandemic began. There is an almost euphoric feeling in the air and the atmosphere is gleeful.

 

For families looking for a last-minute adventure – Disney Cruise Line’s last sailing from London Tilbury departs on 1 October 2021 – Disney Magic at Sea offers a near-perfect staycation. Everything from arts and crafts, quiz games and movie nights to top-class dining and entertainment is ready to enjoy.

 

After a very busy year, this truly was a holiday for the whole family, with a little pixie dust thrown in for good measure.

 

Book it: A three-night UK staycation on Disney Magic of the Sea starts from £598pp, based on a cruise departing from London Tilbury on 17 September 2021. Prices are based on two adults and two children (aged 3-12) travelling and sharing a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom, including full board meals, inclusive entertainment, taxes, fees and port charges. disneycruise.disney.go.com

Disney Cruise Line 

Smarter: The Disney Cruise Line Navigator app includes everything guests need to know before and during the cruise. From boarding information to entertainment schedules and restaurant reservations, the app helps save time and find your way around the ship.
Better: Selected sailings offer American Sign Language interpretation and additional services for guests with sensory and autistic spectrum disorder, so advise clients to communicate individual needs prior to sailing.
Fairer: Naturally occurring condensation from onboard air conditioning is recycled to supply fresh water for laundry facilities and cleaning the outer decks of the ship. This saves more than 30 million gallons of fresh water each year. The Disney Magic at Sea Staycation is also an opportunity to experience a Disney holiday with zero flight emissions.

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