A Wonder of a Ship

The ships of Disney Cruise Line, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, have been sailing for more than a decade (since 1998 and 99, respectively). They are still among the most beautiful ships on the seas. Designed in the style of classic ocean liners of the past, the ships combine elegance and luxury with a whimsy that only Disney could provide.

The primary colors of the ships are black, white, red and yellow... the traditional colors of Mickey Mouse. Disney sought special permission from the Coast Guard to use Mickey yellow for the ship's lifeboats, as opposed to the usual orange. It was deemed that the yellow boats would be just as easy to spot in the event of a rescue, and permission was granted. As for that black, though... it really isn't. The hull of the ship is actually painted the darkest possible shade of blue. Avoiding true black allows the hull to deflect some of the sun's rays, saving energy on board.

The Mickey colors aren't the only Disney details on the outside of the ship. The funnels sport a large white Mickey shape. On the Disney Wonder (pictured here), the bow features an image of Mickey as Steamboat Willie, while Donald Duck hangs off the stern trying to paint the ship as Huey threatens to cut him down. Disney Magic displays Sorcerer Mickey on the bow and Goofy tangled up off the stern.

Once aboard the ship, the beauty and elegance are amped up considerably. The three-deck high atrium is a gorgeous example of Art Nouveau, a style of architecture and design prominent at the turn of the 20th century. Art Nouveau is marked by curved forms and floral motifs, complemented here by the blown glass chandelier custom designed by artist Dale Chihuly. Disney Magic also features a Chihuly chandelier in an atrium modeled on the later Art Deco period.

The centerpiece of the atrium is a bronze statue of Ariel, bringing one obvious Disney reference to the space (a Helmsman Mickey statue can be found in this spot on the Disney Magic).

There are other, more subtle references to be found, though. Look for Mouse ears and other character silhouettes worked into the ironwork on the stair railings and elevator towers throughout the atrium.

Of course, being a Disney ship, Disney imagery is everywhere, but many Guests are pleasantly surprised to discover that the "Disney" on the Disney Cruise Line is rarely big, bold or cartoonish. More often, it's done with class and style.