Heidi BucoloWe’ve had the pleasure of sailing on Disney Cruise Line‘s newest ship, Disney Destiny, twice since it set sail. During our first cruise, we stayed in a Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah, but for our second sailing we booked a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah. How did this standard option compare to the Family version? Our latest Disney Destiny deluxe cabin review and comparison will help you decide which one to choose for your next vacation.
Disney Destiny Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom With Verandah Quick Facts
- Stateroom Number: 7084
- Cabin Category: 5C
- Size: 243 square feet (including balcony)
- Location: Deck 7, portside midship
- Theme: Hercules
- Sleeps: Up to 3-4 guests
- Best For: Couples or small families seeking a cheaper balcony option
- Our Verdict: Comfortable accommodations with Disney’s signature split bathrooms, though smaller compared to Family version
Disney Destiny Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom With Verandah Quick Facts
- Stateroom Number: 11016
- Cabin Category: 4A
- Size: 284 square feet (including balcony)
- Location: Deck 11, portside forward
- Theme: Big Hero 6
- Sleeps: Up to 4-5 guests
- Best For: Families needing extra space and storage
- Our Verdict: Excellent space and storage—worth the premium for longer voyages or families of 4+
Our Disney Destiny Deluxe Family Balcony Cabin Review
For our first cruise on Disney Destiny, we were sailing as guests of the cruise line and were assigned cabin 11016. Reviewing the deck plans, this portside balcony cabin is a 4A category stateroom on Deck 11. It’s located fairly forward, beyond the forward bank of elevators. Being on Deck 11, this cabin is forward from the main pool deck with casual dining options and the pools located nearby.
According to Disney Cruise Line’s website, a Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah is approximately 284 square feet and sleeps 4 to 5 guests. These cabins include a queen sized bed, an optional upper-berth single pull-down bed, and a single convertible sofa. Some also have a single wall pull-down bed for a 5th guest.
The theming in the Disney Destiny staterooms vary based on location, featuring depictions from popular Disney films including Brave, Raya, Hercules, Mulan, Incredibles, Big Hero 6, and Fantasia. This particular room features Big Hero 6.
Layout of a Disney Destiny Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom With Verandah
If you’ve never sailed on Disney Cruise Line, then you’ll immediately notice the increase in square footage when comparing this Disney Destiny Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom With Verandah to balcony cabins from other cruise lines.
The color palette in this cabin is rather subdued, with light wood and shades of gold and blue in the carpet, furniture, and other finishes. The vibrant artwork is the focal point, with the mural over the bed and other accents offering just enough pops of color to give the stateroom some character.
Immediately entering our stateroom, the bathroom was to the left and the closet was to the right. There was also additional corner shelves for storage on the same wall as the closet.
Beyond the bathroom and closet was the queen bed. The queen bed was on the forward wall facing aft.
Continuing past the bed, there was the sitting area and desk. The convertible sofa was to the left and the large desk was to the right. The upper-berth pull-down bed is located above the sofa.
Finally, there was the balcony. The size of the balcony is slightly larger than a typical balcony on modern day cruise ships. There is enough room for 2 upright chairs and a small round table.
Inside the Disney Destiny Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom With Verandah
Bathroom
The bathroom in this Disney Destiny Deluxe Family balcony cabin is a nice upgrade from comparable cabins on other cruise lines. It has the typical Disney Cruise Line split bathroom setup which is great for families. This includes a bathroom with a vanity, sink, and shower/tub combo and a half bathroom with a vanity, sink, and toilet.
The finishes are very neutral with light wood and white tile. There is also adequate counter space and storage, with each vanity consisting of small shelves off to one side.
The full-sized shower/tub combo features a glass door. There are also a couple additional shelves in the shower for storage, along with shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel dispensers. The half bath with the toilet also has a liquid hand soap dispenser and a night light.
Closet
The closets in this stateroom offer plenty of storage for a family. The closet nearest the door has two sections. One section has a full length clothes bar with hangers. The other section has a clothes bar along with shelves. This is also where you’ll find the safe and life jackets.
Additionally, there is another closet near the balcony. This closet features ten cube-sized shelves which are perfect for storing packing cubes, shoes, and other items. Of note, if the cabin contains a 5th sleeper, it will be in place of this extra storage unit.
Main Cabin Area
The main area is certainly roomier than competitor cabins. There is also a privacy curtain to separate the sitting area from the bed, which would come in handy if you are traveling with kids.
The queen bed was comfortable and featured signature Disney bedding. We had no issues falling asleep after our long days and nights on the ship.
There was a night stand on each side of the bed with a small drawer. Across from the bed was the television.
We also appreciated the outlets near the bed for charging our phones and watches overnight. Specifically, one side of the bed has one USB, one USB-C, and one European outlet. The other side of the bed has two power outlets and two USB-C outlets.
The sitting area is spacious by cruise ship standards and has additional themed wall art. The sofa provided plenty of space for two adults, along with a small end table. It converts to a single bed if needed as well.
Across the way is the desk. The desk is somewhat larger than what you typically find in a balcony cabin on cruise ships. There are three long shelves and two shorter shelves above the desk for storage as well as five total drawers. Here, you will also find the hair dryer and the mini-fridge.
In terms of outlets, you will find one European, two U.S., and 2 USB-C at the desk.
Balcony
The balcony in this Disney Destiny Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom With Verandah is slightly deeper than a balcony on mega-ships from contemporary cruise lines. It is adequate in size with enough room for two upright chairs and a small table.
It’s always a great spot to enjoy the ocean breezes and watch our sail into and out of ports of call. However, given we were sailing a short media cruise, we didn’t get to relax here very much.
Disney Destiny Deluxe Family Balcony Cabin Tour
Our Disney Destiny Deluxe Balcony Cabin Review
For our second sailing on Disney Destiny, we stayed in a standard Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah. Reviewing the deck plans, this 5C category stateroom, cabin 7084, is located midship (slightly closer to the forward bank of elevators) on the portside of Deck 7.
According to Disney Cruise Line’s website, this Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah measures approximately 243 square feet, noticeably smaller than the 284 square feet of the Family version. These cabins sleep 3-4 guests, featuring a queen bed and single sleeper sofa. Some also feature an upper-berth single pull-down bed.
This particular cabin features a Hercules theme.
Layout of a Disney Destiny Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom With Verandah
Upon entering this stateroom, the split bathrooms were also to the right, with the closets to the left. The queen-sized bed was positioned on the left wall facing aft as well. Beyond the bed were the sofa, desk, and balcony.
While more compact than the Family version, the layout still makes efficient use of space with similar organization to its larger counterpart.
Inside Our Disney Destiny Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom With Verandah
Bathroom
Like most staterooms on DCL ships, this cabin also features the signature split bathroom design that makes it easy for families to get ready in the morning. With a separate shower/sink and toilet/sink setup, multiple family members can use the facilities simultaneously. Even though we are just a couple, this setup definitely came in handy when preparing to go ashore in the mornings.
The finishes matched our previous cabin, with light wood and white tile creating a clean, contemporary feel.
Closet
The closet space in this cabin is more limited when compared to the Family version but still has adequate storage for a couple or small family.
One side of the closet features a small clothes bar and a few shelves as well as the safe. The other features a full clothes bar with hangers. However, there are no additional storage areas in this standard cabin setup. The cabin doesn’t have the series of open shelves tucked around the corner from the closet either.
Main Cabin Area
The main cabin area makes good use of the available square footage. The queen bed offers the same comfort and signature Disney bedding we enjoyed in our previous cabin as well as the privacy curtain that separates the sitting area from the bed.
There is still a night stand on each side of the bed with a small drawer. Across from the bed is the television. The outlets near the bed are also exactly the same.
The sofa too is the same size; though, it’s positioned immediately adjacent to the balcony in this standard Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom With Verandah.
Across the way from the sofa is the desk. It is roughly the same size and still features plenty of shelves and drawers for additional storage.
What’s missing from the Family cabin is the extra space between these areas and the balcony.
Balcony
Another difference between our two Disney Destiny cabins was the balcony. Given its position on the ship, the glass rail in this cabin was slanted, resulting in one side of the balcony being narrower than the other. (This is why it’s important to review deck plans or work with a travel advisor when booking!)
Despite its smaller size, the balcony was still a wonderful spot for us to enjoy ocean views and room service breakfast during our voyage. Yes, unlike most cruise lines, room service is included in the DCL cruise fare.
Comparing Disney Destiny Deluxe vs. Deluxe Family Balcony Cabins
After experiencing both room types on Disney Destiny, here are the similarities and differences.
The Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom With Verandah offers approximately 40 additional square feet of space, which translates to a more spacious sitting area and more storage options.
The Family stateroom can sleep up to 5 guests with its pull-down bed above the sofa and optional wall pull-down bed, while the standard Deluxe stateroom comfortably accommodates up to 3-4 guests (no wall pull-down bed).
Storage is another key difference. The Family version features significantly more closet and shelf space.
While the size difference is noticeable between these two Disney Destiny cabins, both maintain the premium feel that sets Disney Cruise Line apart from competitors. Both also feature custom heroes and villains artwork.
The bathrooms maintain the same split configuration in both room types as well.
Recap of Our Disney Destiny Balcony Cabin Review
We were quite satisfied with both Disney Destiny staterooms. While the standard Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom is smaller than the Family version, it still provided comfortable accommodations with Disney’s signature attention to detail and themed elements.
For couples or small families, this stateroom category provides a good balance of comfort and value while still featuring access to fresh air. That said, for longer voyages or families of 4 or more, the additional space of the Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom would likely be worth the premium.
Overall, Disney Cruise Line continues to offer some of the largest staterooms at sea, with even their standard accommodations providing thoughtful design features and comfortable furnishings for a magical voyage.
While Disney cruises tend to be more expensive when compared to the competition, they do offer a variety of cabin types at varying price points. These range from moderately priced interior and oceanview cabins all the way up to elaborate suites. We suggest you review the cruise line’s website before booking to find the right fit for your travel party.
Comments
Have you sailed in a Disney Destiny deluxe balcony cabin? Which stateroom category do you prefer on Disney Cruise Line? Drop us an anchor below with your thoughts on DCL’s accommodations.
