Disney Cruise Line in a Jiffy: What is a Magical Porthole?

On Disney Cruise Line, some inside staterooms include a Magical Porthole. Since inside staterooms don’t have windows, a porthole-shaped computer screen stands in to give a view similar to looking out a window. Sometimes called Magic Portholes, or virtual portholes on other cruise lines, you’ll find these on most inside staterooms on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. Disney’s other ships, including the newest Wish, Treasure, and Destiny, don’t have this feature.

Magical Portholes provide an illusion that you’re seeing outside the way you would with a porthole that was on the ship’s exterior. Inside staterooms are the cheapest, but for guests who find the lack of windows off-putting, they can be a nice compromise. That includes guests who might have a sense of claustrophobia without a window.

The view through the Magical Porthole shows a live feed from external cameras on the ship. And it comes from cameras that are placed to give you a view that’s approximately what you would see if your room did have a window! Since it’s a live feed, the view darkens as night falls, but you can also turn it off at any time with a switch if you want to darken the room or have a break from the view.

From time to time, you’ll see that view enhanced by animation, such as a Disney character waving to you. These animations are random and don’t last long; it can be challenging to catch one with a camera. Some guests are so enamored of the Magic Porthole animations that they prefer inside staterooms to larger cabins with actual portholes! No matter your preference, you’ll know in advance whether your stateroom has a Magical Porthole, as it will be listed in the category description when you book.

Disney Cruise Line in a Jiffy is for first-time Disney cruisers looking to learn about the DCL experience. Got a Disney Cruise Line term that you want to see explained? Suggest it in the comments below!