Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Magic is leaving dry dock after a refurbishment that involved turning Promenade Lounge into Soul Cat Lounge, inspired by Pixar’s “Soul.”

Soul Cat Lounge

DCL Duo podcast shared photos and videos from listener Carin of the lounge.

Soul Cat Lounge is just off the Disney Magic atrium. A new green and red entrance has been constructed for the center of the lounge. Stools line the counters that run down the hallway.

Inside the lounge, Joe Gardner’s blue blazer and hat hang on a coat rack next to a music case.

There are brick columns periodically throughout the lounge, making it resemble a New York City building. Red curved couches line the edges of the lounge. The carpeting is also red, featuring a blocky pattern inspired by piano keys and the artwork of “Soul.”

The center of the lounge is filled with 5-tops. The chairs have green cushions that match the walls, which are covered in jazz-inspired artwork and records.

The menu includes New York and jazz-themed drinks.

Like Promenade Lounge, Soul Cat Lounge will likely host family events like trivia.

Promenade Lounge

For reference, here is how Promenade Lounge looked. It was named as such because it was part of a “promenade” through the ship. It was more open to the hallway, but chairs and tables against the windows also made this space more crowded. The line for Rapunzel’s Royal Table at the ship’s aft often runs through this hallway, leaving little space for sitting or walking.

The walls were wood paneled and the carpet was blue and white. There were larger curved chairs surrounding smaller tables. It looks like Soul Cat Loung has more seating with slimmer chairs and more couches.

The Disney Magic was Disney Cruise Line’s first ship, setting off on its maiden voyage on July 30, 1998. Disney Cruise Line is celebrating 25 years of sailing with the Silver Anniversary at Sea celebrations.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line, check out our Disney Cruise Line 101 post.

Silver Anniversary at Sea

Disney Cruise Line is celebrating 25 years of sailing with the Silver Anniversary at Sea celebration on select sailings from May through September 2023. The first Disney Cruise Line ship, Disney Magic, began its maiden voyage on July 30, 1998.

Mickey and Minnie are wearing new shimmering teal and white costumes for the anniversary celebration. The rest of their friends also have new costumes.

Guests will be invited to join the ship’s captain and cruise director on one evening of each cruise for a special anniversary toast. They will be joined by Captain Mickey and Captain Minnie in their new Silver Anniversary at Sea outfits and the toast will feature the anniversary’s new theme song.

Disney Cruise Line was the first cruise line ever to have a fireworks show at sea. A new 25th-anniversary fireworks display will be featured on some Silver Anniversary at Sea itineraries. The limited-time show features iconic Disney music and a new signature song. The show will be on most Bahamian, Caribbean, and Mediterranean sailings this summer.

A 25th anniversary pre-show is currently playing before the Disney Cruise Line sail away parties.

The anniversary of Disney Cruise Line also heralds the unveiling of a brand-new membership tier for Castaway Club, which recognizes returning Disney Cruise Line guests with exclusive rewards and perks. Honoring 25 years of Disney magic at sea, members will now earn the distinction of Pearl status after 25 Disney Cruise Line vacations. As the line’s biggest fans, Pearl members will unlock new at-home and onboard benefits. Check out the new Castaway Club lanyards and stateroom gifts.

Castaway Club members who sail during the Silver Anniversary at Sea will receive a limited edition 11×14 framed Captain Mickey art print in their stateroom. The artwork is by Disney artist Joe Kaminski.

The Shimmering Seas Collection of merchandise includes a Loungefly mini backpack, Spirit Jersey, and more. Check out some of the 25th anniversary merchandise and the Silver Anniversary pin.

There are also plenty of Silver Anniversary-inspired food and beverage items. Souvenirs include a popcorn bucket and a tumbler.

MagicBand+ will also debut on Disney Cruise Line this summer.

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