Disney Magic cruise ship is being re-imagined

The Disney Magic was the first cruise ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet when it went on its maiden voyage in 1998.

Now, the ship is getting what Disney terms a re-imagination with a new grand atrium lobby and a children’s area with a three-story water thrill slide and a new spa and for the first time on "Disney property" characters from the Marvel Universe.

According to a Disney news release, here are some of the highlights that will be included in the new ship once it gets out of dry dock (It will be in dry dock Sept. 7 to Oct. 10, 2013 in Cadiz, Spain.):

A new art deco atrium with a three-deck lobby featuring a custom-made carpet n a palette of coral, blue and aquamarine seashell-inspired designs. The art deco atrium chandelier is inspired by rays of the sun and the glisten of the surface of the ocean. The lobby’s centerpiece is a cold-cast bronze statue of “Helmsman Mickey.”

Disney publicity photo of Marvel's Avengers Academy

Marvel’s Avengers Academy will be part of the Disney’s Oceaneer Club for kids. Young crime-fighters will be transported to a high-tech command post used by The Avengers for special missions and operations training. Throughout the base, displays featuring some of the equipment that helps to make The Avengers the earth’s mightiest heroes – Iron Man’s suit of armor, Captain America’s shield and Thor’s hammer — inspire super hero “recruits” through their academy missions. Avengers Academy is a multi-day, immersive entertainment experience where children interact with Marvel characters and unleash their inner super heroes.

Disney publicity photo

The upper ship decks of the Disney Magic is being redesigned for a three-story water slide for thrill-seekers and a Huey, Dewey and Louie-themed toddler splash zone for smaller ducklings. Riders will step inside a translucent tube and await the near-vertical launch that takes place when the floor beneath them opens like a trap door. The drop will send guests on a ride in a translucent tube that extends 20 feet over the side of the ship.

New restaurants and new technology will be added. Animator’s Palate, one of the most popular restaurants on the Disney ships, will be updated with new, animation-adorned walls and larger high-definition flat-screens to provide the best views of the animation magic that takes place all around. Carioca’s will be a new restaurant named after Donald Duck’s parrot pal in “The Three Caballeros." Cabanas, will be a casual dining experience with food and beverage stations during daytime hours and a table-service restaurant during dinner. The Australian setting of the Disney-Pixar animated classic “Finding Nemo” will inspire the décor with hints of the film’s fishy and feathered friends throughout the restaurant.

After Hours, the nighttime adult entertainment district, has a new lineup of clubs includes venues for dancing, comedy, music and variety shows. After Hours replaces Beat Street, currently on the Disney Magic.

Senses Spa & Salon will be redesigned and expanded by 725 square feet, to a total size of nearly 11,500 square feet.