Have you heard about the new Disney Destiny? We just got off this beautiful new Disney ship and are excited to share what makes it special, so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your next vacation.
The Disney Destiny is Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship and the third in the Wish Class, so it shares a similar layout with the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, but with its own personality, surprises, and some very fun new concepts.
In this episode of Travel Talk, get our first-hand experience sailing on the Disney Destiny. From the magical new Fort Lauderdale terminal and the immersive Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King dining show to unforgettable lounges, hero- and villain-themed staterooms, Broadway-style entertainment, and special character experiences, you’ll get a peek at everything that makes this ship unique. Whether you’re a Disney fan, a cruise lover, or planning your first sailing, this episode will help you decide if the Disney Destiny is the right fit for your next adventure.
Sailing from Fort Lauderdale in a Disney-Owned Terminal
One of the first things that makes the Disney Destiny stand out is where it sails from. This ship is homeporting in Fort Lauderdale and Disney now has its own terminal there.
In the past, when Disney sailed from ports outside Port Canaveral, they often used rented terminals. Those still had the Disney magic, but when Disney has a dedicated terminal, they can make it feel 100% Disney—from the moment you walk in.
You’ll:
- Walk through the portal and Mickey ears as you board
- Be surrounded by that immersive Disney theming right from the terminal
- Feel like your Disney vacation has started before you even step onto the ship
It’s such a fun way to begin your Disney Destiny cruise.
New Rotational Dining: Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King
Like other Disney Cruise Line ships, the Destiny has three rotational dining rooms, but the Wish Class adds a twist: one of those is a full dinner show experience.
On the other ships in this class, that show restaurant is:
- Arendelle on the Disney Wish
- Coco’s on the Disney Treasure
On the Disney Destiny, the show restaurant is the all-new Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King.
Here’s what we loved about it:
- Incredible theming that transports you right into the world of The Lion King
- Amazing food with bold, interesting flavors—similar to what you might find at some of the dining locations at Animal Kingdom Lodge
- A fantastic shrimp appetizer that we loved so much, I joked I should have ordered three and made it my entrée
- Delicious chicken skewers and lots of other tasty options
If you’re a more adventurous eater, you’ll be thrilled with the variety. And if you have picky eaters (kids or adults), there are still plenty of approachable choices like prime rib and a full children’s menu.
The show is just as impressive as the food. You’ll enjoy:
- African music and dancing
- Favorite Lion King songs
- Story elements woven into the experience
Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King is a really fun, can’t-miss part of dining on the Disney Destiny.
Immersive Lounges: De Vil’s, The Sanctum, and Cask and Cannon
The lounges on the Disney Destiny are some of the most fun spaces on the ship, especially because they tie into what really sets this ship apart—its hero and villain theme and unique character interactions.
De Vil’s: Cruella’s Spot (Literally)
One standout lounge is De Vil’s, themed after Cruella de Vil.
- The décor has that black-and-white Dalmatian polka dot feel with bold red accents.
- While you’re there, Cruella herself might crash the party to rant and stir up some mischief.
- The food and beverage offerings are themed to her character, including a “beauty tray” with a frozen lipstick-like item you can add to your drink.
It’s over-the-top, playful, and such a fun, immersive adults’ space.
The Sanctum: A Doctor Strange–Inspired Family Lounge
Right across the hall, on Deck 3, you’ll find The Sanctum, a family lounge that’s open to everyone. It’s located just off the main atrium and accessible from both port and starboard sides.
What makes The Sanctum special:
- Great cocktails with unusual, imaginative presentations
- Fantastic mocktails for kids, so the whole family can enjoy the experience together
- A Doctor Strange–inspired vibe, with:
- Technological and scientific themes
- Drinks served in beakers and other lab-style containers
- Glasses with touch points that light up and react when you touch them, giving “mad scientist” energy
In the evenings, you may find live music, and during the day they might host trivia or other activities. It’s a genuinely fun space for anyone who wants to hang out, relax, and enjoy something a little different on the Disney Destiny.
Cask and Cannon: Pirate Lounge Fun
On Deck 5, near Saga (a family lounge and game area), you’ll discover the Cask and Cannon, a pirate-themed lounge that finally gives pirates their very own dedicated space.
Here you’ll find:
- An immersive pirate atmosphere
- High-tech details like LED/TV “paintings” that change, show cannons firing, and display different pirate logos and scenes
- A menu with fun, rum-forward cocktails and plenty of other drink choices
- Hearty snacks like:
- Loaded tater tots
- Wings
- A burger
- A huge pretzel
Just keep in mind:
- The food in Cask and Cannon is not included in your cruise fare; it’s an extra cost.
- It’s generally an 18+ space, though during the day they may host special activities (like the craft time we attended) when the bar isn’t officially open.
It’s absolutely a place you’ll want to check out on your Disney Destiny sailing.
Broadway-Style Entertainment: Disney’s Hercules
Disney Cruise Line is known for its Broadway-caliber shows, and the Disney Destiny continues that tradition in a big way.
For the first time on a Disney Cruise Line ship, they’ve brought Disney’s Hercules onboard. This show is:
- Outstanding, with incredible singers and performances
- Packed with impressive technology and staging that will make you forget you’re on a ship
- Filled with favorite songs from the movie plus some numbers from the live show versions
It’s a not-to-miss show. Hercules fits perfectly with the ship’s overall hero/villain feel, especially the ongoing Hercules–Hades theme woven throughout the Disney Destiny.
You’ll also find other shows that Disney fans may recognize from other ships, such as:
- A Frozen show
- A show like Seas the Day
But Hercules is unique to the Disney Destiny and a huge highlight.
Hero-Themed Staterooms: Pick Your Favorite Story
The Wish Class introduced a new concept of themed staterooms, and the Disney Destiny continues that idea with several hero-focused themes. The main difference between themes is in:
- The headboard
- The artwork over the couch
- The hallway details outside (lighting fixtures, carpets, and fish extenders)
The layout of the rooms themselves is otherwise the same, but you can choose a theme that connects with your favorite character or your kids’ favorites.
Here are the main Disney Destiny stateroom themes:
Hercules – Decks 2, 6, and 7
- Found on Decks 2, 6, and 7
- Available in all categories on those decks except Concierge
- That means whether you want an inside, ocean view, or veranda room, you can choose a Hercules theme on those decks
Mulan – Decks 2, 6, and 7
- Also on Decks 2, 6, and 7
- Available in all categories except Concierge and navigator verandas
- The artwork is beautiful, and the headboard has a stunning design with detailing that looks like gold leaf, giving it a soft sparkle
Brave – Decks 8 and 9
- Located on Decks 8 and 9
- Available in all categories on those decks (again, not Concierge, which isn’t located there)
- Features Merida on the headboard, a woodsy feel in the hallways, and Brave-themed fish extenders
Raya and the Last Dragon – Decks 8 and 9
- Also on Decks 8 and 9
- Features characters from Raya and the Last Dragon
- Has a beautiful color palette with purples and blues in the headboard and artwork
Big Hero 6 – Decks 10 and 11
- Located on Decks 10 and 11
- All rooms here are inside and veranda cabins
- The headboard shows Baymax flying through San Fransokyo, and the hallways lean into red tones
- Even the fish extenders and hallway lights are Big Hero 6–themed
The Incredibles – Decks 10 and 11 + Concierge Family Oceanview
- Also on Decks 10 and 11, in inside and veranda cabins
- Features the whole Incredibles family in action on the headboard, plus Frozone
- The red hallway theming ties in perfectly
- There are also Incredibles-themed Concierge Family Ocean View staterooms (these do not have balconies) with that same incredible theme
It’s such a fun way to personalize your Disney Destiny stay and make your room feel like part of the story.
Edna’s A La Mode Sweets: A Treat Worth Splurging On
Right outside Marceline Market, all three Wish Class ships have a sweet shop, and the Disney Destiny is no exception.
On this ship, it’s called Edna’s A Lla Mode Sweets, and it could not be more perfect.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Gelato and ice cream
- Baked goods, cupcakes, cake pops, and more
- Fun, creative flavors, including things like lemon and blueberry gelato (very lemony and very delicious!)
- Tons of toppings and ways to customize your treat
A couple of notes:
- These treats are not included in your cruise fare; they’re an additional charge.
- The space itself is adorable, with Edna and Jack-Jack in the theming.
- It’s located along the side of the ship with big windows, so you can sit, enjoy your sweets, and look out at the ocean—or grab a treat and take it elsewhere.
It’s definitely worth a splurge at least once during your Disney Destiny sailing.
What Truly Sets the Disney Destiny Apart: Hero vs. Villain Experiences
All Disney Cruise Line ships have wonderful heroes, princesses, and character meet and greets. But on the Disney Destiny, the villains really get the spotlight.
If you’re a villain fan, this ship will feel like home.
A Transforming Villain Space on Deck 5
On Deck 5, just off the atrium, there’s a small space in Disney Studio that transforms into different themed experiences. These are listed in the Disney Navigator app, and they’re a little bit secretive—but easy to find once you know where to look (or if you ask).
One of the most popular offerings here is Dr. Facilier’s Parlor:
- It’s a small-group experience with about 10–12 people at a time.
- They do not allow cameras, which makes it feel extra special and exclusive.
- We got in line about 10 minutes before it started, and the line was already at least an hour long—so if this is on your must-do list, plan to arrive early and be ready to wait a bit.
It’s a really memorable interaction and absolutely worth it for villain fans.
Under Her Spell with Maleficent
Another experience is Under Her Spell with Maleficent, usually held in Saga, the two-story family game lounge that spans Decks 4 and 5 (similar to the D Lounge on some other ships).
What makes it special:
- It’s more than just a quick meet and greet—it’s a whole experience.
- At the end, everyone has the chance to get a photo with Maleficent.
Wretched Runway with Cruella de Vil & Villain “Takeovers”
You might also see Wretched Runway with Cruella de Vil, another fun, interactive offering, along with spontaneous villain moments around the ship—like Cruella storming into De Vil’s to rant and stir things up.
The atrium itself plays a role too. It’s very high-tech, and the lighting can shift dramatically. When Maleficent is in the atrium, the whole space glows green, so you might walk by, see the color change, and immediately know a villain has taken over.
All of this adds up to a ship where the villains truly shine, and that’s what really makes the Disney Destiny unique in the Disney Cruise Line fleet.
Itineraries: Two Private Islands and the “Perfect” 5-Night Cruise
The Disney Destiny is scheduled to sail out of Fort Lauderdale for the foreseeable future, with itineraries currently released through May 2027.
Most of its sailings are 5-night cruises, and because of its homeport and routing, it can visit both:
- Castaway Cay (Disney’s classic private island)
- Disney’s new island, Lookout Point
Many itineraries actually visit both private islands on the same 5-night sailing, plus a sea day in the middle. That means:
- Two amazing beach days with so much included
- Time to enjoy the ship in between
- A rhythm that feels just right for families who want both relaxation and onboard fun
Honestly, for us, that feels like the perfect itinerary.
And of course, a Disney cruise includes so much already:
- Rotational dining
- Marceline Market and other included dining
- Wonderful staterooms with split bathrooms
- Self-serve soda fountains on the pool deck (no soda package needed!)
It’s a fantastic vacation option for families of all ages, shapes, and sizes.
Is the Disney Destiny Right for Your Family?
We absolutely loved the Disney Destiny. Whether:
- You’ve sailed with Disney Cruise Line before or this is your first time
- You’re a full-on villain fan or just enjoy a sprinkle of mischief mixed into your Disney magic
…this ship has so much to offer.
If you have villain lovers in your group, they’re going to be obsessed with all the special experiences featuring Maleficent, Loki, Cruella, and more. If you have little ones who are hesitant around villains, they’ll still find endless fun—from Wreck-It Ralph near the kids’ club to everything in the Oceaneer’s Club and beyond.
There truly is something for everyone on the Disney Destiny.
And if you’re not sure which itinerary or stateroom theme fits your family best, that’s where we come in. We’d love to:
- Help you find the right Disney cruise for your family
- Pair you with the right agent on our team
- Make sure your vacation is truly smooth sailing from start to finish
We can’t wait to help you experience the Disney Destiny—and hopefully, we’ll be saying “See you real soon” on your next Disney cruise.
