What if you didn’t just queue to meet Disney heroes and villains for a quick photo or a stage moment, but instead became part of their story — or they became part of yours? Disney Destiny blends the familiar perks of Disney Cruise Line, like rotational dining and island calls in the Bahamas, with a more immersive, interactive experience that echoes the Star Wars Starcruiser concept, but on a broader, less intense scale.
After a three-night media-preview cruise, here are six things you’ll only find on Disney Destiny.
1. Villains are (mostly) in charge
Disney Destiny leans into a darker, edgier side of Disney. Unlike Disney Wish’s princess-forward design, Destiny feels like a home for villains. You can witness Maleficent casting fiery spells, Cruella critiquing outfits, Dr. Facilier performing parlor tricks, and Loki staging mischief. The ship’s spaces and interactions are built to showcase these characters in ways that appeal to older kids and adults looking for a slightly less saccharine Disney vibe.
2. Pride Lands Feast of the Lion King
Among Destiny’s three rotational restaurants is Pride Lands Feast of the Lion King, an all-new dinner show exclusive to this ship. It replaces the Frozen-themed show footprint from another vessel but offers a distinct experience: emotional, authentic storytelling with new flavors and production value. It’s more than a cartoonish take on “Hakuna Matata” — the show has heart and could be a lasting memory from your cruise.
3. Three unique themed bars and lounges
Destiny delivers three bars you won’t find on other Disney ships:
– De Vil’s Piano Lounge: Complete with a spotted piano, lively tunes and themed cocktails. Try to catch Cruella’s appearances and the “Perfectly Wretched” cocktail with theatrical accouterments.
– Cask & Cannon: A Pirates of the Caribbean-themed pub, great for a beer, watching games, or a pre-dinner snack.
– The Sanctum: A Dr. Strange–inspired lounge that blends cozy and mystical. Drinks here can float, bubble and smoke; the “Mirror Dimension” cockTAIL lights up when you touch the glass. The décor and effects bring the Sanctum to life for fans and casual visitors alike.
4. New Hercules Broadway-style show
Disney’s ships are known for Broadway-caliber nighttime productions, and Destiny’s exclusive show is Hercules. It’s not a straight cartoon adaptation: the production mixes gospel and pop, incorporates impressive puppetry and tech, and stretches beyond the familiar soundtrack. At 75 minutes, it’s modern, fast-paced, and entertaining — the kind of theatrical experience you’d typically pay a premium for on land, offered onboard with no extra charge.
5. Marvel-themed Grand Hall and deeper Marvel immersion
If Marvel is a draw for your group, Destiny dives in deeply. The ship features a Wakanda-themed Grand Hall (with Marvel theming visible even before boarding) and Marvel-inspired artwork, characters, and spaces, including the Sanctum lounge. Beyond family offerings like World of Marvel dining and a Super Hero Academy for kids, Destiny includes adult-oriented content: a nighttime show, With Great Power, features a recorded appearance by Deadpool and is restricted to guests 18 and older. For the high-end Marvel fan, the two-story Tony Stark–themed Tower Suite sleeps up to eight across three bedrooms.
6. Convenient home port and family-friendly itineraries
Disney Destiny’s long-term home port is Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, one of the easiest major U.S. ports to navigate. It’s roughly two miles from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, with several nearby hotels, making pre- or post-cruise logistics simple. Many of Destiny’s sailings are four- and five-night itineraries — a sweet spot for families that balances time onboard and budget. Many itineraries include both of Disney’s Bahamian island destinations, offering a straightforward “Disney Bubble” vacation.
Bottom line
Having sailed on all seven Disney ships, Destiny surprised me by becoming a new favorite. Its villain-forward personality, unique dining and entertainment offerings, immersive Marvel elements, and the convenience of Port Everglades make it a standout. For families with older kids, Marvel fans, or travelers who enjoy a touch of mischief, Disney Destiny offers distinctive experiences you won’t find elsewhere in the fleet.
