Setting Sail on the New Disney Destiny

Last month, I was invited by Best Day Ever Vacations to take part in a special preview cruise on the new Disney Destiny. This opportunity was only available for travel agents and media, and because of this, the ship was only about 60% capacity. From the moment I stepped onto the Destiny, I was in love! This isn’t just another ship - it’s a floating world of storytelling, adventure, and innovation, built around one unforgettable theme: Heroes and Villains. From Marvel superheroes to classic Disney villains, every corner of the Destiny celebrates the stories and characters from classic Disney movies we have all loved for generations.

Staterooms

The staterooms on the Disney Destiny are the same as those found on the Wish and Treasure. There are four main categories - Inside, Oceanview, Verandah, and Concierge. 85% of the rooms on the Destiny are verandah staterooms, which is what we had. Our room had a queen bed, a ceiling pull down bed, a couch that turned into another bed, and a pull down Murphy bed. Our stateroom attendant turned the beds down each evening and even provided bed bumpers for my youngest.

The Disney Destiny offers some special suites, each themed thoughtfully around Disney stories, including 1 and 2 bedroom Hero Suites, 7 IncrediSuites, and the Destiny Tower Suite. We were able to tour these suites, and I must say - it was amazing to see! The Destiny Tower Suite was huge, and even had it's own doorbell! My kids felt so special climbing up the spiral staircase to the very top of the ship.

Rotational Dining Options

Mealtime on the Disney Destiny is an experience of its own. With a range of restaurants, each brings something unique to the table. One standout, unique to this ship, is Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King. Guests enjoy a themed meal where music and visuals bring The Lion King to life. There are live performances during your meal, featuring classic songs such as "Circle of Life" and "Hakuna Matata". The decor and effects are very immersive, including lighthing, artwork, and wall windows that shifts from sunrise to sunset as you eat. The menu is very similar to Boma or Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge - featuring unique African flavors and spices. We really enjoyed the curried apricot chicken sosaties!

The other two rotational dining experiences are the same as the Wish and Treasure, 1923 and Worlds of Marvel. Since we already experienced both of these on the Wish, there wasn't much more for me to add regarding our experience here.

Entertainment

Entertainment is a highlight on the Disney Wish, featuring numerous shows and activities to keep guests entertained throughout their journey. The ship houses a stunning theater that showcases Broadway-style productions, just like the Wish and Treasure. A must-see is Hercules, which was created exclusively for the Destiny - alongside returning favorites like Frozen and Disney Seas the Adventure.

Besides theatrical performances, the Disney Destiny hosts a variety of character meet-and-greets, some of which are unique to the ship. You have new characters such as Cruelle de Vil (appears in De Vil's Piano Lounge), Maleficient, Dr. Facilier, Loki, Superhero Minnie and storytellers Zayah and Gamble.

The Oceaneer's club is exactly the same as the Wish and Treasure, featuring Marvel Super Hero Academy, Fairytale Hall, Imagineering Lab and Star Wars Cargo Bay. The outside of the club, however, is really unique and cool. The area here on Deck 2 features a Sugar Rush theme from Wreck-it-Ralph with Ralph and Vanellope statues. Kids can take the peppermint designed slide from Deck 3 to the entrance. There's pink backlighting on the window benches and stairway, and peppermint-swirled candy lights and candy themed carpets that extend into the hallways. Again, everything is very immersive and my daughter especially loved the pink lights.

Water Activities

The Destiny has several pools, water slides, the AquaMouse, and the Toy Story splash zone just like the Wish and Treasure. The only thing unique to the Destiny is a mischievous new storyline featuring villain-themed animation and a custom soundtrack on the AquaMouse.

My favorite pool is definitely the Chip and Dale Pool on Deck 14, forward. This pool is never crowded, as it's a bit off the beaten path. Most people will congregate near Funnel Vision where the four main pools are. This pool also offers great views of the ocean and has plenty of shaded seating for parents.

Theming & Artwork

The highlight of the Destiny is definitely the theming and artwork! Disney's attention to detail is nothing short of amazing. Everywhere you walk, there were pictures, artwork, and little details in the carpet that strongly showcased this Heroes vs. Villains theme.

The staterooms are all themed, and vary based on the deck. Decks 2, 6 & 7 are Hercules and Mulan. Decks 8 & 9 are Brave and Raya. Decks 10 & 11 are Big Hero 6 and Incredibles. Concierge rooms are Fantasia. Another interesting detail is that the carpets in the hallways also vary by floor. Deck 2 has candy carpet (Sugar Rush theme from the Oceaneer Club), decks 6 & 7 have lightning bolts for Hercules, decks 8 & 9 have trees for Brave, decks 10 & 11 have a city skyline for Big Hero 6. Concierge hallways have a green and pink floral design with Mickey keys that point forward.

The elevator lobby designs also vary - the Forward is villains themed with Malieficient carpet designs, and the Aft is Heroes themed with Sorcerer Mickey carpet designs.

Overall Experience

In summary, the Disney Destiny was nothing short amazing. Again, I am so thankful to Disney and Best Day Ever Vacations for giving me the opportunity to preview the Disney Destiny with my family. I’ve dreamed of opportunities like this, and never imagined it would happen after just two short years in this business. I’m thankful to all my clients who trusted me to plan their vacations - because of them I was able to experience this and there will never be enough words to describe it!

The new ship is FANTASTIC! Its theming is top notch and much thought has been put into every little detail. I am so honored to be a part of Disney history! I just may have booked another cruise on the Destiny in March.