Ahoy, Sharon!
While nothing can compare to the custom-built cruise terminal that exists at Port Canaveral, Florida, keep in mind that you will be boarding a Disney Cruise Line ship!
For our first few cruises, our family embarked from Port Canaveral. Just walking into that grand terminal is an experience, isn't it? Two years ago, we tried our first cruise from Miami. The terminal there is different. It is much smaller, so there isn't the vastness that you experience in Port Canaveral. There also is not a model of the ship, but there is still a character meet and greet area. When you walk through the hall to board, you still experience the photographers with a backdrop, and the walk over the gang plank to the ship.
Once onboard, you won't even remember the terminal. As your family is announced (we were "The Waldos" last October) and you board to the crew clapping for your arrival, you will be engulfed by the Disney Cruise Line magic all over again. Once you are onboard, I recommend heading to
Carioca's for a bite to eat. It is a buffet on embarkation day, like Cabanas, but I have found it to be slightly less hectic.
One of the nicer things about cruising out of the Port of Miami is that it is smaller, so the boarding groups tend to move quickly.
I know you will have a MAGICal time on the Magic out of Miami. Please visit us again here at the Disney Parks Moms Panel with more questions before your family sets sail!
Happy Cruising, Tracy V.