Celebrate with Your Favorite Disney Heroes and Villains: What to Expect Inside DCL’s New Disney Destiny
- laurie2769
- Nov 27
- 10 min read
The Disney Destiny is the seventh ship to join the Disney Cruise Line family. Aboard, cruisers will be enchanted with the various character appearances in the Grand Hall, mesmerized with the Broadway-style shows in the Walt Disney Theater, and fascinated by the numerous dining options on board—not to mention all the adult spaces where you can grab magical cocktails.
The Disney Destiny has all the bells and whistles that you’ve come to expect from a Disney production, but what really sets this ship apart is the superhero (or villain) theme that is sprinkled throughout the experience. Both heroes and villains are equally represented aboard—from Moana to Cruella, Big Hero 6 to Loki, and everyone in between. Another nice addition is the incorporation of the Marvel universe, which can be found in various places—check out the sculpture of Spider-Man on the stern of the Destiny as you embark from the day’s port, and make sure to catch him waving from the Grand Hall balcony as he greets passengers while boarding.
Throughout the course of a sailing there will be various activities happening at the Grand Hall. Loki, Maleficent, Cruella, and Black Panther all tell their stories at a walk-up stage in the Grand Hall with the help of Zayah and Gamble, the fabulous storytellers who you will see throughout your journey (it will feel like they are everywhere, and they are awesome!). If you are bringing your little ones aboard, don’t worry, the classic Disney characters that many of us grew up with are still sailing with you. One magical experience is the Dance Party with Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Donald, Daisy, and Chip & Dale—this is an unforgettable experience for the little ones who will have the chance to dance with their favorite characters. And of course, make sure to check the Navigator app to see where and when your favorite Disney characters will be for the meet-and-greets—Hero Minnie and Pirate Mickey were some of my favorites!
Immersive Dining Experiences and More
As with its sister ships, there are three main sit-down, themed restaurants aboard the Destiny. Each one offers a unique experience. If you have cruised with DCL before, you may be familiar with the rotational dining where your server rotates with you each night as you dine in different restaurants. This way you get to know your server, and they get to know you! Aboard the Destiny you will dine at the all-new Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King. Here guests will get dinner and a show. There is a center stage where performers will take you on a musical journey of The Lion King. Enjoy a wide-ranging menu inspired by the flavors of Africa and join Simba (through song) as he finds his own destiny. Make sure to try the vegetable tagine and the shrimp curry, these were the highlights!
Take a peek inside the Marvel universe at the Worlds of Marvel. Here we celebrate the world’s greatest heroes. Step into the world of the Avengers. This restaurant is decorated with large screens where Baby Groot and Rocket Racoon will entertain you. There is also a controller at the center of each table to participate in a giant game of trivia during dinner—test your knowledge, impress your friends, and have some fun. And for music, guests will have the pleasure to listen to the Awesome Mix Tapes from the Guardians of the Galaxy movie—this 60s and 70’s soundtrack will get the party started. From the menu, the Delmonico Rib-Eye Steak and the Golden Mystic Pasta were two of our favorites!
Last but certainly not least, 1923 is an elegant dining room named after the year Walt Disney Studios opened. Dine among the sketches that have made history—The Incredibles, Rapunzel, Winnie the Pooh, Aladdin. This sophisticated dining experience offers guests a moment to step back and immerse themselves upon the magic that is Disney. Both the salmon and the filet mignon are equally mouthwatering!
Open for breakfast and lunch is Marceline Market. There are ten counters, each with classic favorites (eggs and bacon for breakfast), international specialties (chicken tikka masala for lunch), and vegetarian options (veggies galore). The offerings are similar to what you will find in other DCL ships—Mickey Mouse waffles? Definitely! With indoor and outdoor seating, there is always an amazing view of the ocean.
DCL understands there is a lot to do while on board, which is why they have added some quick service options where guest can grab burgers, ribs, burritos, chicken tenders, and soft-serve ice-cream whenever hunger strikes. Visit Mickey's Smokestack BBQ, Donald's Cantina, Daisy’s Pizza Pies, Goofy’s Grill and Minnie’s Delights located on deck 11, opposite from Marceline Market.
This ship could not be complete without Edna À La Mode Sweets, where kids (and adults) can indulge in some of the tastiest treats on board—from gelato to Incredible cupcakes, come to Edna’s lab (which has been repurposed for sweets) and sweeten your day.
Villainous and Heroic Inspired Adult Zones
Deck 3 midship is where a lot of the action happens. Here is where adults will find spaces specifically designed for them to enjoy while the kids are at the Oceaneer Club or in the Teenager spaces (or maybe sound asleep in the state room). De Vil’s is a chic piano lounge that follows Cruella’s signature colors red, white, and black—after all, she is the inspiration behind all of it. Cocktails are inspired by Cruella herself—the fashionista’s essence runs through every corner. Order a Perfectly Wretched, which comes with a lipstick, powder, and perfume—so you can feel like Cruella herself! Relax and listen to some classic Disney tunes being played on the black and white spotted piano, but don’t get too comfy, Cruella might even pop in for some villainous fun.
If you have been on the Haunted Mansion ride at Disney World, then you understand the ambiance. At the Haunted Mansion Parlor guests walk into what looks like a spooky room inside an old forgotten castle. Cobwebs on the chandelier, lighting that doesn’t quite work, and ghosts that like to appear on the mirrors and terrify the guests. If you liked the ride, you’ll love the parlor.
Across from both, you will find The Sanctum, which, unlike the other two, is not behind closed doors. This open space offers large comfortable seating, live music, and a unique menu well suited for your inner sorcerer. Here Marvel Studios Doctor Strange comes to life, whether your cocktail bubbles, electrifies or is upside down, you’ll experience magic and a little mystery.
Located on deck 4, Cask & Cannon is another space that is inspired by a classic Disney ride: Pirates of the Caribbean. Inside there is a nautical motif, just how a pirate would like their tavern to look like. Guests can catch sports on the big screen, sit on a barrel, or simply be taken by all the intricate décor from treasure maps to wooden planks. Keep one eye open for Disney easter eggs scattered throughout the bar and pub!
Spectacular Entertainment
There is so much to do onboard, but cruisers can’t miss Hercules, which is exclusively on the Disney Destiny. This state-of-the-art Broadway-style show takes the beloved 1997 film and brings it to life on the Walt Disney Theater. The muses narrate the story through song, there is an epic battle of Hercules against Hydra (an excellent use of animatronics on stage), and seamless set changes that transport you to a different world.
Also to be enjoyed on the Disney Destiny is Frozen, A Musical Spectacular. Arendelle comes to life onstage to dazzle cruisers with fan favorite songs like Let it Go—it will give you chills, get it? —and Olaf and Sven will feel like they are alive, thanks to the impressive puppetry. The show follows the story from the 2013 film—meet Anna and Elsa as kids, and then as adults, watch Anna and Kristoff fend off the wolves on the terrifying sleighride (the projections and excellent wolf costumes make the audience feel like they are part of the chase), and even witness Elsa create her ice-castle and turn into the Snow Queen in real time—a truly magical and seamless transformation.
If you are looking for more entertainment at night, Saga is the place to be. During the day it hosts family events, but when the sun sets, this space turns into a two-story adult-exclusive lounge where you can catch trivia, karaoke, game shows, and some mature comedy shows hosted by the storytellers Zayah and Gamble. With Great Power: A Marvel Comedy Show is a cruise highlight for sure and tells the stories of seven heroes who possess unique virtues, and one antihero (Deadpool) who is extremely inappropriate (and hilarious). This must-see comedy show is scripted and delivered to perfection. Zayah and Gamble are a two-person show with multiple costume and set changes. It feels spontaneous, and the use of puppetry and projection takes guest from meeting Captain America in 1942, to seeing Ant-Man at the Baskin-Robbins. It’s impressive how much they can pack in one hour, on a small stage, with only two performers and one DJ. Somehow, most of the Avengers assemble on that stage.
Making a Splash
Ready to relax and refresh? New on the Disney Destiny is the AquaMouse. This water-coaster features an exhilarating drop, followed by many twists and turns that will get you soaked. These winding tubes take you through the ship (wave to your family on deck 11!) and if there is no line you can ride again. What sets this coaster apart is the initial ascent during which you enter a tube where you watch animated scenes of your favorite Mickey & Minnie cartoons before the adrenaline kicks in.
Also on deck 11 are various pools inspired by Mickey and his friends. There is a total of 10 pools, so you can really do some pool hopping if that’s what you like. Most of the pools face the Funnel Vision, which show Disney classics throughout the day—just what the kids want, to splash and watch movies at the same time, it truly is the Dream, I mean, their Destiny! Tip: on deck 12 the Chip and Dale wade pool is heated, perfect for colder days, and it’s right outside the Toy Story Splash Zone.
Toy Story Splash Zone is a perfect space for little ones looking to run around and interact with their favorite Toy Story characters. And if your little on is taller than 40-inches then they can ride the Slide-a-saurus Rex, which is thrilling even for mom and dad.
For a cold and rainy-day head over to the Hero Zone, where brave competitors will find the Incredi-Games. Test your skills on this gigantic inflatable obstacle course designed for two cruisers to go head-to-head against their family or friends. This space is designed for family fun, including a second-floor mezzanine where you can view the competition from above, and even play some foosball and air hockey.
Fun for the Kids
As you might expect, Disney’s Oceaneer Club has various spaces for kids to explore. And the Destiny has truly gone big for your tiny Oceaneer—from Elsa’s coronation to late-night pajama parties. Kids will find the magical slide next to the Grand Hall, that will take them straight into the Oceaneer Club located in deck 2. Here they will be greeted by the trained counselors, and off they go to explore the various magical worlds that have been created specifically for them.
Kids will meet their favorite princesses at Fairytale Hall, check out Rapunzel’s Art Studio, Belle’s Library and Anna and Elsa’s Sommerhus. These various spaces allow kids to be creative and feel like they are inside of their favorite Disney films.
If you keep exploring, you will find Star Wars: Cargo Bay. There are so many buttons to push and levers to pull. It will feel like you are part of the Resistance in another world. Enter the world of the Avengers at the Marvel Super Hero Academy. This high-tech space allows kids to create their own hero suit, then they see it generated in front of them on a mannequin, and finally, they get to suit up put it to the test. Sling webs like Spider-Man and win the battle against Marvels notorious villains.
One of my favorite spaces for the little ones is Mickey & Minnie Captain’s Deck. This indoor playground is full of nautical fun. There are slides, wheels, and many things to crank, plus also sensory-style games and activities and maybe even a surprise appearance of Captain Minnie herself.
Finally, at the Walt Disney Imagineering Lab kids can design their own roller coaster and then ride it. You read that right. The Ride Studio gives them the tools and the simulator to experience their creation.
If your Oceaneer has grown up a bit, check out Edge on Deck 5, a space dedicated specially for the Tweens aboard. Here 11–14-year-olds can hangout and be parent free in a safe space. There are majestic views of the ocean, and the décor inside resembles New York City—these kids will feel very cool and enjoy the activities guided by the counselors.
For the older teens, Vibe offers them a space to watch TV, listen to music, and make new friends. Decorated like a Parisian-style loft with a retro twist, this space is also parent-free and gives them the independence they crave. The Hideaway is another popular spot for tweens and teens aboard, here there is a dance floor and a DJ booth, perpetually ready for a dance party or karaoke ballad.
Top 10 Travel Tips
Download the Navigator app as soon as you board (or before!) so you can start ‘hearting’ all the activities you want to see on board
Be sure to head over to the AquaMouse on embarkation day (weather permitting), as soon as you board—most likely you will find the shortest lines
We’ve never had to wait to be seated at any of the restaurants, don’t stress—your table will be ready when you are
Character encounters are popular, get there on time to ensure you get that picture-perfect moment
Don’t miss the Dance Party in the Grand Hall, this is a wonderful experience for the kids and the adults
Be sure to catch all the shows at the Grand Hall, from Sleeping Beauty Tale to Cruella’s Wretched Runway, these are well put together, clever, and delightful
The Walt Disney Theater doesn’t have a bad seat, but if you can, get a seat in the center, to get the best view of the dazzling special effects
Saga has many adult-only shows, don’t miss the comedy show With Great Power—there are no words, you simply must go, it’s a guaranteed fun time
Remember that Marceline Market (buffet) is not open for dinner, but there is plenty of other food on deck 11 (from burritos to burgers)
Bring your Mickey or Minnie ears on board—you won’t be taking them off since they make for adorable pictures, and really get you in the Disney spirit
Ready to set sail and cruise on Disney’s Destiny?
Visit disneycruise.disney.go.com/ships/destiny to book your next vacation.