Ahoy, Susan!
Add me to the list at "Over Planners Anonymous", because I am right there with you! I am almost always planning for our next voyage on a Disney Cruise Line ship, often twelve or more months in advance! My very first cruise was on the Disney Magic, so it holds a special place in my heart.
On a 5-Night cruise, similar to a
4-Night cruise, you can expect to have one "optional" dress-up night. On this night, you will see your fellow cruisers decked out in tuxedos and ball gowns (like my husband and I) to sun dresses and khakis with polo shirts, and everything in-between. How "formal" you want to dress is entirely up to you and your family. We tend to take a LOT of photos on those dress-up nights, so we go all-out.
Your cruise will also have a
Pirate Night, so plan to pack your family's Pirate-y best (or worst!). This is one of my favorite nights on a Disney Cruise! I love the fireworks at the Pirates IN the Caribbean Deck Party.
Be sure to note your celebration on your reservation, so that your daughter might be surprised with a treat in one of the main dining rooms.
I hope this helps with your cruise planning! Please let us know if we can answer more questions about the Disney Magic or cruising as it gets closer.
Happy Cruising, Tracy V.