Hiya, Joel!
Welcome to planDisney. And welcome to cruising aboard the Disney Cruise Line! I'm confident you will enjoy more magic during your cruise than even the ship's name implies.
The Disney Cruise Line recommends that all passengers purchase some form of travel protection that includes medical coverage. If you'd like, you may purchase a Disney Cruise Line Vacation Protection Plan through Disney. This plan covers things like medical services for accidents or illness, emergency medical transportation, and compensation for other incidents that travelers may occasionally experience. If you booked your cruise yourself, you may add the Disney Cruise Line Vacation Protection Plan to your cruise reservation by calling Disney Cruise Line or visiting the My Reservations page online. If you booked through a travel agent or other travel provider, you may contact them to have them add the plan for you. The Disney Cruise Line Vacation Protection Plan can be added to your reservation at any time up until the paid-in-full date for your sailing. For most shorter cruises, the paid-in-full date is usually 90 days before sailing. And for longer cruises, it is usually 120 days before sailing.
For me, the best way to become familiar with your Disney Cruise Line ship is to download and explore the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. Once you link your cruise reservation to the app, you'll get a fun countdown until your cruise to help you get excited for the magic coming your way next year. You'll also see a section labeled "My Disney Cruise" with a subsection to let you "Start Exploring Your Ship." Tap on the "Start Exploring" link that will allow you to learn more about dining, entertainment, youth clubs, pools and recreation, and much more. One of my favorite sections on the Navigator is "Ship Facts," where you can learn all the little details about the Disney Magic such as origin, size, capacity, and significant amenities. Once you are onboard, the Navigator app will also be your portal to all the onboard fun, including times and locations of events, shows, games, and more. The onboard mode of the Navigator app will also include a map of each of the ship's decks. But you can also explore the ship deck plans ahead of time on the Disney Cruise Line website.
I bet you're excited about your upcoming cruise, Joel. I am too. We'd love to keep helping you as you continue to make your plans. Please visit us again at planDisney with any more questions you may have.
See ya real soon!
~Tony