Don BucoloWe’re back from one of the first sailings on Disney Destiny, the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. During our 5-night Bahamas cruise, we sampled all the restaurants, watched every show, attended many of the activities, and even said hello to some of our favorite Disney characters. As two adults sailing on one of the most family-focused cruise lines, we share our honest review on how Disney Destiny stacks up.
Our Honest Disney Destiny Review
In this comprehensive Disney Destiny scorecard review, we break down every aspect of our experience across dining, entertainment, activities, nightlife, and accommodations. Having sailed on over 100 cruises including three other Disney ships, we’re scoring each category against both Disney’s other vessels and competitor cruise lines.
Main Dining Room
Unlike most other cruise lines, Disney does not offer a flexible dining option. Instead, the cruise line is unique with its rotational dining concept. So, you are assigned a set dining time, either early seating at around 5:45 PM or late seating at around 8:15 PM. Then, your service team follows along with you to each restaurant.
On a 5-night sailing, you’ll experience each restaurant at least once. Unlike our other shorter Disney cruises, we did not have the Pirate Night menu during this sailing; instead, we had the second-night menu at two of the three restaurants. Depending on your rotation, this may or may not appeal to you.
We were lucky enough to try the second-night rotation at the new restaurant, Pridelands: Feast of the Lion King. We also had a second dinner at our favorite of the three restaurants, 1923.
Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King
Brand new to Disney Destiny, Pride Lands is an immersive dining experience. Aft on Deck 5, this new restaurant combines an African-inspired menu with live musical performances featuring songs from The Lion King films. However, there is no live music or performances during the second night rotation. This feels like a miss, as the restaurant certainly had a less lively ambience during our second visit.
During our initial dinner in this venue, we watched the 90-minute dinner show retelling Simba’s story through talented singers, percussionists, and interpretive dance.
The main menu showcases unique, bold dishes that are among the most flavorful at sea. Highlights include Curried Apricot Chicken Sosaties, Shrimp Curry, Spiced Tomato-braised Lamb Shank, and Berbere-Spiced Roasted Chicken. On our return visit, starters like Mufasa’s Bobotie Hand Pie and the braised short rib entree were both rich, savory, and equally delicious.
While we enjoyed the storytelling, music, and food quality, the intertwining of dinner service and the performance can be overwhelming. You’ll find yourself either racing to eat between acts or letting your food get cold while watching the stage.
Still, Disney is one of the only cruise lines that offers this unique dinner show concept, and we did enjoy it. Personally though, we liked the Plaza de Coco experience on Disney Treasure better.
1923
Located midship on Deck 3, the 1923 dining rooms pay homage to Roy and Walt Disney. With hundreds of Disney artifacts from the animation vault, this swanky dining room is reminiscent of an early 20th-century supper club. The elegant atmosphere makes this the most refined of the three main dining rooms.
Before settling in for dinner, I ordered one of my personal favorite cocktails on the ship, the signature Riverside Old Fashioned. This classic cocktail sets the perfect tone for the upscale dining experience.
We dined at 1923 twice during our sailing, and the food quality impressed us both times. I couldn’t pass up the filet mignon on one night and the beef tenderloin on our return visit. Both rank among the best steak dishes at sea. Although, the lobster tail, which was a signature item on the second night during our Disney Treasure cruise, was no longer on the menu.
Heidi was equally impressed with the Tortiglioni Pasta and Roasted Green Circle Chicken Breast entrees.
While 1923 might have some of the best entrees across all three dining rooms, it definitely has the best desserts. The apple pie and the Atwater Fuji Apple Cheesecake are must-tries. Both desserts are worth saving room for, no matter how filling your meal was.
Worlds of Marvel
Aft on Deck 4, Worlds of Marvel delivers an interactive dining experience only found on Disney Cruise Line. All around the dining room, large screens come to life with characters from the Marvel Universe.
We dined at Worlds of Marvel once during our sailing, experiencing the Tribute to Heroes show featuring Groot and Rocket. However, even though this was the second night show from Treasure, it was paired with the first night menu. While we are not big fans of this restaurant, our dinner here was better than previous experiences.
For starters, I ordered the dill-and-lemon-marinated shrimp, which were fresh and flavorful. The spiced pork chop had plenty of flavor and was perfectly balanced with sides. Heidi’s chicken schnitzel was much better than the version she got earlier this year on Disney Treasure.
While the desserts are nothing to write home about, like all the restaurants, you can opt for one of the crowd-pleasing sundaes.
Those less invested in the Marvel Cinematic Universe might find the interactive elements and trivia more distracting than entertaining during their meal.
Entertainment
In the Walt Disney Theatre, you’re treated to three unique Disney productions each cruise – which are some of the best at sea! During our sailing, there were three performances of the two main shows, including a daytime matinee. Lines start forming about 30-40 minutes before showtime. So, make sure to arrive early if you want a prime seat.
When there isn’t a signature production, you might experience a headliner act, like magician Jon Armstrong. Or, the three-story venue might turn into a giant movie theater featuring a first-run movie, in our case, Zootopia 2.
Disney Hercules
New for Disney Destiny, Disney Hercules is an exclusive production you won’t find on any other Disney Cruise Line ship. Corey Bradford goes the distance as Hercules in this musical adaptation of the Disney film. The Muses guide you through the story of Hercules’ quest to become a true hero.
The production quality is absolutely top-notch. The impressive stage effects and talented cast deliver precisely what you’d expect from a Disney Cruise Line production. That said, we personally didn’t resonate with this particular Disney IP as much as some other classics. The movie debuted while we were in high school, so it doesn’t hold the same nostalgic appeal for us as it might for younger families or die-hard Hercules fans.
Disney Seas the Adventure
On the first night of our cruise, we settled in for Disney Seas the Adventure. In this revue-style show, you hop onboard a voyage with Captain Minnie, firstmate Goofy, and the rest of the crew. This production celebrates Disney’s maritime legacy with popular Disney songs from beloved characters like Elsa, Tiana, Moana, and Hercules.
The show delivers precisely what you’d expect—high-energy performances, familiar tunes, and plenty of Disney magic. Your kids will absolutely love it. Even as Disney adults, we appreciated this unique “welcome aboard” show.
Frozen: A Musical Spectacular
Disney’s Frozen: A Musical Spectacular adapts the beloved animated film with talented performers, elaborate costumes, and impressive staging. We’ve seen this production on other Disney Cruise Line ships, and it consistently delivers. Actually, this showing was better than what we remembered from our cruise on Disney Fantasy.
It features all your favorite songs, from “Let It Go” to “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” The production has the same heart and humor as the film, complete with everyone’s favorite character, Olaf. Even non-Frozen fans will appreciate the music and technical effects of this show.
Onboard Activities
There is never a dull moment on a Disney cruise. Disney Destiny is no different; there are plenty of complimentary activities that are fun for the whole family. But, be warned, almost everything is Disney-themed.
The Sanctum hosts family-friendly crafts and learn-to-draw experiences throughout the day. It’s educational and fun, plus you take home a souvenir you created yourself.
Triton Lounge on Deck 3 becomes a hub for games and trivia throughout the cruise. From Disney classics trivia to Marvel-themed questions, there’s something for every level of Disney knowledge.
Various themed activities pop up throughout the ship as well. The Celebration of a King features both Loki and Black Panther. There’s also the Little Hero Dash, where parents race their crawling babies. Yes, I am not kidding.
You can relax poolside watching classic Disney films on Funnel Vision throughout the day and evening. Believe us, it is tough not to get sucked into watching a few minutes of your favorite movie while crossing the pool deck.
There are also two indoor cinemas, Never Land Cinema and Wonderland Cinema, both showing first-run Disney movies. The popcorn costs extra, but you can score discounted refills if you have a refillable bucket.
Additionally, Bingo happens multiple times throughout the cruise for an upcharge. Various liquor tastings and other special activities are also available. Kids can visit the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and adults can book services at the Untangled Salon or Hook’s Barbery. If you time things right, you might stumble upon the hidden whiskey bar at Hook’s!
Character Experiences
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Disney cruise without character meet and greets. From classic characters, heroes and villains, and a variety of unique costumes, you will undoubtedly want to grab a photo or two with your favorites. Note, cast members will take photos of you on your phone during the meet and greets, so you don’t need to purchase the professional photographs.
One of our favorite additions to Disney Destiny is the expanded villain encounters. These aren’t just quick photo ops. They’re immersive experiences that bring these iconic characters to life.
Treble-Making with Cruella takes place in De Vil’s bar. This interactive show features Cruella herself along with the ship’s storytellers, Zayah and Gamble. You’ll help the storytellers write a new song for the fashionista, and trust us, it’s a riot. Lines form up to an hour before showtime, so arrive early if you want a good spot.
You can also walk the Wretched Runway in a Cruella De Vil fashion show held in the Grand Hall. It’s pure theatrical fun with plenty of attitude.
Another standout is Under Her Spell: A Maleficent Encounter. This interactive experience blends show elements with a meet and greet with the mistress of evil.
Dr. Facilier’s Parlor offers a more intimate encounter. You can get personal time with the Shadow Man himself for a little mystery and magic. No photos are allowed in Dr. Facilier’s Parlor, but there are additional photo ops with him throughout the cruise.
Beyond the villains, you’ll find plenty of hero encounters too. Superhero Minnie, Spider-Man, Chewbacca and Rey, Princess Tiana, Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, Belle, and the classic Disney pals all make appearances throughout the cruise. Just be prepared to wait in line.
Nightlife
If you’re looking for adult-only evening fun, Saga becomes the place to be in the evenings. With entrances on Decks 4 and 5, this lounge transforms into an entertainment hub with game shows, activities, and plenty of laughs for the 18+ crowd.
Dherrel from the cruise director staff hosted most of the Saga activities during our sailing. He was absolutely hilarious and kept the energy high all night long. His comedic timing and audience engagement made every show entertaining.
Game shows are the main draw here. Villains Game Night was one of our favorites. This Hollywood Squares-inspired show features several of your favorite bad guys as you try to guess whether they are telling the truth or not.
There are other classic cruise game shows too, like Heard That? or Majority Minds. Match Your Mate is always a crowd-pleaser as couples test how well they really know each other. For those seeking something more adventurous, Saga hosts an adult scavenger game show, Go Fetch. Think of it like The Crazy Quest on Royal Caribbean, only nowhere as risque or as “adult”. Still, it is a lot of fun to watch.
Other adult activities occur here as well, including a silent disco and themed parties. Check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app for the full schedule during your sailing.
Storytellers: Zayah and Gamble
Like Disney Treasure, Disney Destiny has its own storytellers. Zayah and Gamble brought energy, humor, and personality to every show they hosted. From the Sail Away deck party to Destiny Discovered on the final evening, they’ll keep you entertained all cruise.
Their “With Great Power: Marvel Comedy Show” in Saga kept us laughing the entire time. They expertly blend improvisation with scripted material and silly props for added comedic effect. Even without being huge Marvel fans, we found their take on the MCU hilarious.
In the Grand Hall, they hosted several shows, including Legend of Loki and Sleeping Beauty: A Mostly Accurate Tale. The “mostly accurate” descriptor is key here. They take creative liberties with these stories, adding modern humor and audience participation.
Beyond these scheduled shows, Zayah and Gamble pop up throughout the ship at various activities and events. We found ourselves seeking out their shows specifically because they were that entertaining.
Live Music
While DCL does a great job with onboard activities and entertainment, one area it falls a bit short is the live music lineup. Only a couple of venues feature musicians.
De Vil’s featured piano players were Matt and Christina. These talented musicians took turns tickling the ivories with Disney classics, Broadway hits, and contemporary favorites. This is a great spot for drinks and live music if you can get a seat in this usually packed lounge.
In The Sanctum, the Mystics performed throughout the cruise. With a mellow vibe, they offered sets featuring modern pop songs, Motown classics, and, of course, Disney favorites. The venue doesn’t have the greatest sight lines, so get there early if you want a prime seat.
Aside from these two venues, the only other “live music” occurs on Pirate Night. The Pirate’s Rockin’ Parlay Party takes place out on the pool deck and features 80s rock music, a swashbuckling stage performance, and the only fireworks at sea.
Bars and Lounges
It might surprise you, but Disney Destiny offers a dozen bars and lounges. Most venues offers distinct theming and signature cocktail menus. However, it’s important to note that Disney Cruise Line does not offer drink packages. Drinks are priced individually and can add up quickly.
Continuing the villain’s theme, Cruella has her own lounge on Disney Destiny. This intimate piano bar on Deck 3 showcases black, white, and red decor along with a dalmatian-spotted piano. The cocktails here are just as over-the-top as the diva herself. The Fashionista gets poured from a spotted shaker and comes with a side of popcorn. The Perfectly Wretched arrives topped with champagne perfume and includes a side of lipstick for dramatic effect. There’s also the zero-proof Fearless Sir Galahad featuring aromatic smoke.
The Sanctum is Disney Destiny’s Dr. Strange-themed lounge. Located on Deck 3, this bar serves up mystical cocktails like Vapors of Valtor and the electrifying Mirror Dimension, showcasing creative presentations and interesting flavor profiles. While the cocktails were good, the theming of this space fell short for us when compared to The Bayou on Disney Wish or Skipper Society on Disney Treasure.
Cask & Cannon is a Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired bar with lots of nods to the classic Disney Parks attraction. Located on Deck 5, it serves as the ship’s primary pub and sports bar. Like other DCL pubs, you’ll find televisions playing sporting events along with signature brews and cocktails like the Dead Man’s Chest. There is also a pub menu served after 6 PM, with items ranging from $8 to $16, with favorites like chicken wings, burgers, and German pretzels.
One of our favorite bars at sea returns on Disney Destiny with a brand-new menu. Haunted Mansion Parlor welcomes foolish mortals to enjoy hauntingly tasty drinks in this elaborately themed lounge on Deck 3. The attention to detail here is simply stunning with interactive elements like singing portraits and playful spooks appearing on digital screens behind the bar. The Chilling Challenge returns to the menu, but new offerings like The Tail of the Rat and Awaken the Spirits are frightfully good additions. There’s also a signature beer and themed sodas for non-drinkers.
Located on Deck 12 near the adult-only specialty restaurants, The Rose offers an upscale bar experience. This elegant venue serves as the perfect spot for a pre-dinner or after-dinner cocktail when dining at Palo Steakhouse or Enchante.
The entertainment space Saga even features a signature cocktail menu for adults to enjoy.
Outdoor Pool Bars
Disney Destiny offers several outdoor bars perfect for poolside relaxation. On Deck 11, three bars serve guests throughout the day. The bars serve a standard menu of cocktails, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Currents Bar sits forward on Deck 14 near the Chip and Dale pool area. This quieter location offers a nice escape from the busier main pool deck.
Wheezy’s Freezies stands out as a unique offering on Deck 12 forward. This Toy Story-themed bar specializes in frozen slushies and Dole Whip. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions are available, making it popular with kids and adults alike.
All the way aft on Deck 13, the Cove Bar services the adults-only Quiet Cove area. This bar features signature cocktails like pop spritzes alongside standard offerings. The intimate setting and adult atmosphere make it ideal for peaceful afternoon drinks.
Coffee Options
Disney Destiny features multiple spots to get your caffeine fix throughout the day as well. Cafe Merida on Deck 5 takes inspiration from Brave with themed decor and Scottish touches. Cafe Megara on Deck 4 celebrates Hercules with Greek-inspired design elements.
The Cove Cafe also serves specialty coffees in the Quiet Cove area on Deck 13. This adult-only location provides a relaxing spot for your morning latte away from the family areas. We found ourselves visiting the Cove Cafe multiple times per day. A morning latte and an afternoon pick-me-up became part of our routine. By Day 3, George, the resident barista, knew our order by heart.
Pool Deck
Disney Destiny features eight pools scattered throughout the outdoor decks. Most of them are relatively small and often filled with families and kids. However, the variety of locations and atmospheres means you can find a pool that suits your mood.
Midship on Decks 11 and 12 are the six main pools. Of course, they’re all named after Disney characters. The Mickey and Minnie pools are the largest, flanking the forward and aft ends of the Deck 11 pool area. Also, you’ll find the smaller Donald, Daisy, Pluto, and Goofy pools along with additional sun loungers on Deck 12. These two outdoor decks can get busy on sunny sea days. Don’t be surprised if all the deck chairs are claimed by mid-morning.
Of course, there’s also the AquaMouse towering above the pool deck. This water raft ride is complimentary and delivers plenty of fun. I donned my bathing suit and hopped on this 760-foot-long attraction to experience the brand-new storyline, Sing a Silly Song. The ride is open to all guests who are at least 42 inches or taller—just time your ride so you’re not stuck in a long line. Early mornings or during mealtimes typically offer shorter waits.
Guests looking for the quietest family pool should head forward on Deck 14. Here, the Chip and Dale pool area features plenty of additional loungers, mostly in the shade.
Those with little ones will find a friend at the Toy Story Splash Pad on Deck 12 forward. Next to the Splash-a-Saurus Rex waterslide and Trixie’s Falls, this area is tucked away from the main pool deck.
Finally, adults can escape the crowds and kids at the Quiet Cove. All the way aft on Deck 13, this is where we spent most of our time outdoors. The Quiet Cove offers a variety of plush loungers, oversized chairs, a café, and a bar. Not to mention, there’s an infinity pool overlooking the ship’s wake. However, the area is a tad small for a ship of this size especially when compared to Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.
Hero Zone and Sports Deck
While Disney Destiny is geared toward families and kids, there aren’t as many outdoor sports activities as you might expect. You won’t find a basketball court on the open deck or a mini-golf course like on Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.
Instead, Deck 13 is home to the main sports area, the Hero Zone. This indoor complex features a full-sized basketball court, with a variety of open-play and competition sessions scheduled throughout the cruise. Beyond basketball, you’ll find air hockey and foosball tables, as well as cornhole, available to use free of charge.
The big draw in the Hero Zone is the Incredi-Games challenge course. If you’re unfamiliar with this inflatable obstacle course, it’s a head-to-head competition in which two participants race up, down, and through several challenges to see who can complete it the fastest.
The Senses Fitness Center sits on Deck 5, all the way forward. It offers various workout equipment, cardio machines, and free weights. There’s also a cycle room and fitness classes available for an upcharge. Disappointingly though, the ship doesn’t have a dedicated walking or jogging track. However, many guests use the outdoor promenade, which starts on Deck 4 and ascends to Decks 5 and 6. It’s not ideal for serious runners, but it works for those wanting to get their steps in while enjoying ocean views.
For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, the Senses Spa features the Rainforest Room thermal suite. This upcharge area offers a sauna, steam bath, frigidarium, heated tile loungers, and aromatic waterfall showers. There’s also a large outdoor relaxation space. You can purchase a voyage-long pass or a day-long pass based on availability.
Casual Dining
Disney Destiny delivers some of the best grab-and-go dining options at sea.
Mickey & Friends Festival of Foods
Located on the pool deck, Mickey & Friends Festival of Foods became our go-to spot for casual meals. This venue features five unique food stalls, each serving different cuisine.
Donald’s Cantina serves custom-made tacos, bowls, and salads. However, one key ingredient was missing during our cruise. There were no nacho chips available.
Goofy’s Grill handles typical lido deck fare like hamburgers and hotdogs. However, the real stars here are the irresistible chicken fingers and fries. We found ourselves returning for these crispy, golden tenders multiple times.
Mickey’s Smokestack BBQ offers hearty options for meat lovers. Ribs, roasted chicken, sausages, and pulled pork are available with various sauces. I may have made too many visits to this quick service counter during our trip.
Surprisingly, Daisy’s Pizza offers some of the worst pizza at sea. Plus, there is often a long wait as pizza is made to order. It’s edible when you’re hungry, but don’t expect anything special.
Marceline Market
Marceline Market serves as Disney Destiny’s buffet which is open for breakfast and lunch. Unfortunately, it is closed for dinner.
Breakfast options remain consistent throughout the cruise. All your typical selections are available each morning, with warm breakfast items, a custom omelet station, continental pastries, and fresh fruit. Don’t worry, the Kids Counter is fully stocked with Mickey waffles and even churro waffles on one day of the sailing.
Lunch at Marceline Market features signature items like shrimp cocktail and crab legs, available every day. These seafood staples have become synonymous with Disney Cruise Line buffets. Beyond the seafood, you’ll find upgraded options and more traditional buffet fare. Pre-made salads, international cuisine, and daily rotating specialties provide variety. The selections change enough that you won’t feel like you’re eating the same lunch every day.
Room Service
Disney Cruise Line still offers complimentary 24-hour room service. We took advantage of it a couple times during our cruise.
Breakfast consists of continental items. Fresh fruit, bagels, pastries, and cereal are reliable morning options. You won’t get made-to-order hot breakfast items, but the offerings work well if you want to sleep in and eat at your own pace.
During the day and evening, chicken wings, chicken tenders, and other options are available. The menu isn’t extensive, but everything we ordered arrived promptly and at the proper temperature. Of course, we couldn’t pass up ordering Mickey ice cream bars through room service either. It’s one of those small luxuries that make cruising with Disney special.
Edna a la Mode Sweets
Located up on Deck 11, Edna a la Mode Sweets celebrates The Incredibles with themed decor featuring Edna and Jack-Jack. This confectionery serves premium ice cream and gelato, specialty desserts, and candy. Though, everything comes at an additional charge beyond your cruise fare.
Specialty Restaurants
Disney Destiny offers a couple of upcharge dining venues in addition to the included options. Both adult-only specialty restaurants are located on Deck 12. They’re themed around Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, creating an elegant atmosphere for grown-up dining.
Palo Steakhouse is an evolution of the Italian-focused Palo found on older Disney ships. This restaurant offers the best of both worlds, combining Italian classics with premium steakhouse offerings. You’ll find dishes like fried calamari, freshly made pasta, and artisanal pizzas alongside prime beef selections.
We dined at Palo Steakhouse during our Disney Destiny sailing, and the experience lived up to our expectations as one of the best steakhouses at sea. But, also one of the most expensive. While we dined a la carte, you can opt for the 4-course Prezzo Fisso, which offers excellent value at $55 per person.
On select days, Palo also serves brunch. We experienced this on Disney Treasure earlier in the year and highly recommend it. The multi-course brunch menu offers a little bit of everything for a flat fee. You’ll work through an impressive spread, from omelets and antipasti to pizza and entrees like chicken parmesan and lasagna. Of course, there’s dessert as well.
Enchante serves fine French cuisine from the charming maitre’d of Beast’s castle, Lumiere. This restaurant offers an à la carte option or several tasting menus. With a seasonal menu curated by a three-star Michelin chef, the offerings aim for culinary excellence.
While we didn’t dine at Enchante during our Disney Destiny sailing, we experienced it on Disney Treasure earlier this year. While the service was superb and the setting was elegant, for us, the food didn’t quite justify the hefty price tag. Though, your experience may differ depending on your preferences for French cuisine. If you’re passionate about fine dining and enjoy trying new flavors, then Enchante might deliver precisely what you’re seeking.
Staterooms
Disney Cruise Line offers some of the largest staterooms at sea.
During our cruise, we stayed in cabin 7084, a Deluxe Oceanview with Verandah on Deck 7 midship portside. This stateroom featured Hercules-themed artwork.
Upon entering our stateroom, the split bathrooms were to our right with the closet to our left. The queen-sized bed sat on the midship wall facing aft. Beyond the bed, you’ll find the sofa, desk, and balcony.
The room features good storage space, which sets Disney staterooms apart from other cruise lines. The closet has two sections, one featuring a full-length clothes bar with hangers and the other combining a clothes bar with shelves below. We easily unpacked everything we brought for our five-night cruise.
Further, the sitting area is spacious by cruise ship standards. The sofa comfortably seats two adults without feeling cramped. The desk area offers plenty of workspace along with three long shelves and two shorter shelves above for storage. You’ll find five total drawers here as well.
Another standout feature is the number of outlets in the room. There are five total outlets near the desk, providing plenty of options for laptops, cameras, and other electronics. The bed area offers even more charging options. One side features two USB-C and two U.S. outlets. The other side provides one USB, one USB-C, and one European outlet.
Like most staterooms on Disney Destiny, our Deluxe Veranda featured a split bathroom setup. One bathroom features a vanity, sink, and shower/tub combo. The other contains a vanity, sink, and toilet. Even though we’re just a couple, this arrangement came in handy when preparing to go ashore in the mornings or when getting ready for dinner in the evenings.
Our balcony measured approximately 43 square feet, which is standard for most balconies on Disney Destiny. The space comfortably fits two chairs and a small table, although, given the location of our room on the ship, the balcony didn’t offer the best sightlines. However, we appreciated the private outdoor space for watching our sail into and out of ports of call during this short Bahamas cruise.
If you want a bit more square footage, or the ability to sleep up to five, DCL offers the Deluxe Family Oceanview with Verandah stateroom option. We stayed in this category during our preview sailing on Disney Destiny and did appreciate the extra space and storage options.
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. If you’re aiming for a specific theme, we recommend working with a travel advisor who can help. Our trusted travel partner, MEI-Travel, has a dedicated team of Disney experts who can assist with your booking process for no additonal fees.
Our Overall Disney Destiny Review
There’s a lot to love about Disney Destiny, though it charts a decidedly different course than its sister ships.
From the moment you step into the Grand Hall and see the Black Panther statue, you know this ship embraces a bolder, more mature aesthetic. The heroes and villains theme woven throughout creates an atmosphere unlike anything else in the Disney fleet. For those who appreciate Disney’s villainous side, this ship delivers in spades.
The theming in select public spaces ranks among the best we’ve seen on any cruise ship. De Vil’s and Haunted Mansion Parlor showcase immaculate attention to detail with immersive environments that transport you into these stories. The interactive elements and elaborate decor make them destinations in themselves, not just places to grab drinks.
The ship features elevated dining too, whether it is in one of the main dining rooms or poolside. Unlike other cruise lines, you are free to order as much as you want with no additional costs. Disney also includes premium non-alcholic drinks, like soda and Vitamin water, as part of the cruise fare.
For those with kids, the youth centers remain unmatched in the industry. The Deck 2 Oceaneer Club features themed rooms resembling the Millennium Falcon and playrooms celebrating several Disney Princesses. Older kids have separate spaces, including Edge for tweens and Vibe for teens. These venues host video games, organized activities, dance parties, and more throughout each day.
Adults can have an excellent time on Disney cruises too. Various daytime and nighttime events fill the schedule. You can partake in trivia and game shows, catch first-run movies, enjoy elegant dinners without the kids, relax in the Quiet Cove, or sip signature cocktails while enjoying live music.
The character encounters on Disney Destiny like Treble-Making with Cruella, Under Her Spell with Maleficent, and Dr. Facilier’s Parlor provide unique interactions you won’t find on other ships.
That said, Disney Destiny isn’t perfect. Public spaces can get busy, especially during character meet-and-greets, deck parties, and shows. Crowds are particularly noticeable when lines form for popular experiences. For one showing of Disney Hercules, guests lined up over an hour before the theater opened to secure prime seats.
Then there’s the price. Our deluxe balcony cabin cost over $4,000 for a 5-night Bahamas itinerary. That’s considerably more than similar-sized cruise ships catering to families from Royal Caribbean or Carnival Cruise Line. You’re paying a premium to cruise with Mickey and friends.
However, many families (and couples) feel the premium price tag is absolutely worth it. The Disney difference shows in the attention to detail, character experiences, and overall service quality.
Our Verdict
Is Disney Destiny right for you? It depends entirely on what you value in a cruise vacation.
Book Disney Destiny if:
- You’re Disney adults who appreciate the villains theme
- Your family includes older kids or teens who love Marvel
- You want unique character experiences you can’t get elsewhere
- Premium theming and attention to detail matter more than price
- You’ve sailed Disney before and want something different
Consider other Disney ships if:
- You’re sailing with young children who prefer princesses
- You’re not invested in Marvel or superhero programming
- Budget is a primary concern
- You want the most classic Disney cruise experience
- You prefer adventure or fairy tale theming over heroes and villains
Our personal favorite ship in the fleet remains Disney Treasure. The adventure theming and venues like Skipper Society resonated more with us. However, we appreciate that Disney Cruise Line is broadening its appeal with each new ship and we did enjoy the new villain experiences.
With a quickly expanding fleet, there’s now bound to be a Disney ship to fit everyone’s preferences. Disney Destiny successfully targets a more adult, Marvel-loving audience that previous ships didn’t fully serve.
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