We were on-board for the exciting launch of the Disney Destiny on its maiden voyage out of Fort Lauderdale. The newest addition to the Disney Cruise Line fleet took to the seas just a few weeks ago.
There was a lot of buzz about the ship leading up to the inaugural sailing. The Disney Destiny is a “Wish-class” ship, meaning it has the same structural design as the Wish and the Treasure. While the overall layout is the same, the ship features new theming and re-imagined spaces.
The Destiny has a “Heroes and Villains” theme featuring a statue of T’Challa from Black Panther in the Grand Hall. On the stern is Spiderman and Spider-bots. Wandering about the ship, you’ll encounter a variety of both heroes and villains.
The 4-night special sailing took us to two ports of call, stopping first at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and next at Disney Castaway Cay. The inaugural season for the Destiny includes both 4- and 5-night cruises to The Bahamas and the Western Caribbean.
What’s it like to be on Maiden Voyage?
Being part of the Maiden Voyage of the Destiny included a few special perks.
Every Disney cruise includes a sail away party where passengers gather on the pool deck for a party as the ship leaves port. This one was particularly special as it was the maiden voyage of the Destiny. To mark the moment, Susan Egan, the voice of Megara from Hercules appeared on stage, followed by Mickey, Minnie and the rest of the gang. We toasted the sailing with a glass of champagne.
Susan Egan’s company produced a Heroes & Villains show, which was a one-night only event created exclusively for the maiden voyage. Egan told the audience that she and her production team spent a year planning and rehearsing for the show. The cast of the show included other Broadway and Disney stars such as Jordan Fisher, James Monroe Inglehard, Olivia Donalson, Lissa deGuzman, and Adam J. Levy. It was a compelling performance of classic Disney songs.
A few days later, the cast of Heroes & Villains participated in a special Q&A session during our sea day. Stars Susan Egan, Jordan Fischer, and James Monroe answered questions from the audience on a range of topics both personal and professional.
One of the best perks about being on the maiden voyage included the many special gifts we received in our cabin. There were gifts inside our room upon arrival – including champagne glasses, door magnets, and a tote bag. During the nightly turndown service, our Stateroom Host would leave a gift. We received artwork, passport holders, and a special keel coin to commemorate the inaugural voyage.
Prior to our sailing, we were invited to order special maiden voyage merchandise which included everything from commemorative mugs, to sweatshirts and jewelry. These items were waiting for us in our cabin. The gift shop sold some of the items, but the lines were long and the quantities were limited.
KidTripster Tip: If you see merchandise you like, buy it! You can return it if you change your mind. Once items sell out, they generally aren’t restocked during the sailing.Â
Although the sailing was sold-out, the ship was not at-capacity. Meaning it wasn’t as crowded as a normal sailing. Everything seemed to run smoothly as the cast members participated in months of training prior to the inaugural sailing. The only hiccup we noticed was during our evening dinner service. Drinks and food took longer than you’d typically experience. It seemed as if staff were still learning their roles.
What was the ship itself like? It’s gorgeous. Here’s what you can expect on your sailing:
Accommodations on the Disney Destiny
Stateroom categories include inside, oceanview, verandah, concierge and suites. Some cabins can sleep up to five guests with beds that cleverly fold down from the walls and ceilings. Most cabins have split bathrooms. There’s a toilet and sink in one bathroom, and a shower and sink in the other, convenient when sharing space with family members.
Themes vary by floor and include Hercules, Mulan, Brave, Raya and the Last Dragon, The Incredibles, and Big Hero 6. While the furnishings and color scheme is the same in each cabin, the artwork is different depending on the theme.
The over-the-top Hero Suites are one- or two-stories and have the square footage of a family home. They can sleep up to 8, but at no small cost.
Dining on the Disney Destiny
New to the dining rotation on the Disney Destiny is Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King. It’s a musical dining experience that celebrates Simba’s courageous journey to fulfill his destiny as King of the Pride Lands. Guests dine on African-inspired cuisine while enjoying a musical performance including iconic songs from the Disney animated movie. Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King restaurant replaces Plaza de Coco on the Disney Treasure, and Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure on the Disney Wish.
When sailing with Disney Cruise Line, diners visit a different restaurant each evening, and their wait staff and servers rotate with them.
The other two main restaurants will be familiar to repeat cruisers. Worlds of Marvel is back, but with a new storyline. Diners are treated to Marvel Celebration of Heroes: Groot Remix featuring Baby Groot and Rocket Raccoon. Music is a signature part of the dining experience.
1923 is a taste of the Golden Age of Hollywood. The name 1923 pays homage to the year that The Walt Disney Studios opened its doors. The decor is storyboards, sketches, and props recalling the heroes and villains of classic Disney animated movies. The menu features the flavors of California.
Meal times are typically 5:45 (main seating) and 8:15 (second seating). You can request your dining time when booking your cruise. 5:45 tends to be more popular with families. Either dining time allows you to catch one of the evening’s live stage shows.
For buffet dining, you’ll head to Marceline Market. It’s open for breakfast and lunch. Be careful because your eyes might be bigger than your stomach once you see the huge array of choices. We prefer having breakfast at Marceline Market rather than one of the restaurants. It’s faster and there are more options available, including the beloved Mickey waffles at breakfast.
A great spot for a meal, or snack, is Mickey & Friends Festival of Foods, located on the pool deck. Food choices include Mickey’s Smokestack BBQ, Donald’s Cantina, Daisy’s Pizza Pies, Goofy’s Grill and Minnie’s Delights. Hours are typically 11am-11pm, although not all locations stay open late. This is a quick place to grab a bite, food-court style.
This is where you’ll find that famous Disney Cruise Line soft serve ice cream. Flavors vary by day. Beyond chocolate and vanilla, flavors could include blueberry, pineapple, and more. Free ice cream cones are worth the cost of the sailing, at least according to my kids.
All of the locations listed above are complimentary. Extra special treats and drinks can be purchased at Edna À La Mode Sweets! Gelato, candies, and specialty desserts are available here. Coffee, tea, and snacks are available at Cafe Megara and Cafe Merida, walk-up cafes near the Grand Hall. This is where you get those cute printed coffees with character art.
Adults-only dining is available at Palo Steakhouse and Enchante. Reservations are required. Dining here comes at an additional cost.
Dining With Food Allergies
Traveling with food allergies can be stressful, but not on Disney Cruise Line. Cast members take great care to ensure a safe and delicious dining experience for those with allergies.Â
Prior to your cruise, be sure to indicate that you have a food allergy. You’ll request “Special Services” and under dietary restrictions you can indicate your specific food allergy.
When you arrive on the ship, notify your waiter. They’ll likely already know about your allergy. Typically you’ll order your dinner a day in advance. Menus are marked with allergens. Many items can also be modified upon request, and with notice.
When it comes to the buffet (Marceline Market) and quick serve options (Mickey & Friends Festival of Foods), notify a server that you have an “allergy order” and need additional assistance. Room service can accommodate allergy orders.
KidTripster Tip: Download the Disney Cruise App prior to your sailing. You’ll refer to it often during your cruise to find out activity times, dining locations, and to chat with friends and family on the ship. You can use the app in airplane mode, without purchasing the internet package.
Lounge Spaces on the Disney Destiny
New to the nightlife scene is De Vil’s. This small lounge space is designed in the likeness of Cruella De Vil from the Disney classic 101 Dalmations, complete with a black and white spotted piano. Be sure to visit the bar during one of Cruella’s scheduled appearances. Check the Disney Cruise Line app for times. This adults-only show is really fun. Heads up, we lined up more than an hour early to get into the venue. It’s a very small space with limited seating.
We’re suckers for the Haunted Mansion Parlor. We love the ghostly vibes. Be sure to pay attention to the mirror behind the bar, and the art on the walls as you never know what might materialize. This is an all-ages space until around 8pm. After that it’s adults-only.
Cask and Cannon is inspired by the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. It’s a sports pub, pirate style with spirits served straight from the barrel. Cask and Cannon was usually busy during our sailing, especially so on Pirate Night.
KidTripster Tip: Pirate Night takes place on every Disney Cruise. Guests dress up as pirates and attend a pirate party on the pool deck. After the party, fireworks shoot off the side of the ship.
The Sanctum offers a journey into the world of Doctor Strange. You’ll find an array of unique cocktails and coffee drinks here. There’s usually live music or special events taking place in this all-ages space.
Another lovely space to enjoy a pre- or post-dinner beverage is at The Rose. Look for a seat alongside the floor to ceiling windows. The Rose is adults-only and located at the entrance to Palo Steakhouse and Enchante.
Entertainment on the Disney Destiny
Disney excels at entertainment. There’s typically an entertainment offering each night of the sailing.Â
Live Shows
The highlight is the all-new stage show that’s exclusive to the Disney Destiny. Disney Hercules brings animated characters to life. It’s a tale of good versus evil, with musical performances, cool visual effects, and a song written for the movie that didn’t make the final cut. The cast was great and the show was really well-produced. If you see any show during your sailing, make sure you see Hercules. We loved it!Â
KidTripster Tip: Line up early outside the theater to ensure a seat. Doors typically open about 20 minutes before the performance, but the line will form much earlier. All members of your party should be present when you enter the theater as saving seats isn’t allowed.
Also showing on the Destiny, Frozen, A Musical Spectacular which relives Anna and Elsa’s adventures encountering trolls, a prince, and Olaf the snowman.
There’s also Disney Seas the Adventure which brings together Disney and Pixar characters who journey through unchartered waters.
Two performances are offered each evening so as not to conflict with your dinner plans. During sea days, matinee performances are sometimes offered. To accommodate even the youngest cruisers, shows run about an hour. They do not include an intermission.
With Great Power: A Marvel Comedy Show is an 18+ only performance. That’s because Deadpool has some R-rated moments during the show. We’re talking swears! Not something you’d typically find on a Disney cruise ship. The Disney adults on-board loved it.
Newly Released Movies
There’s a movie theater on-board, and yes, the popcorn absolutely tastes better on a Disney cruise. Several movies show daily during the cruise. Look for new releases. We’ve been on-board for premieres of Disney movies and it’s a lot of fun to attend a premiere event on the ship.
Multi-Purpose Lounge
Saga is a lounge space that’s family-friendly by day, and adult-only at night. This is where events like musical performances, comedy acts, and game shows happen. We attended a few unique events in this space including “An Encanto Celebration” which included arts-and-crafts, and “Under Her Spell: A Maleficent Encounter.”
Character Interactions
You know you’re gonna see Mickey and Minnie and the gang on-board. And yes, the princesses will be greeting guests. Be on the lookout for heroes and villains, too. The Disney Cruise Line app lists character meeting times.
The Destiny has some unique offerings including an up-close encounter with Dr. Facilier. There are two opportunities to meet Dr. Facilier. One’s a standard photo opportunity, but the other is a small group experience in “Dr. Facilier’s Parlor” where he performs magic tricks, reads fortunes, and interacts with a group of 8-10 passengers. No phones are allowed. Line up early if you want to experience this event.
[ Related: Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point ]
Activities on the Disney Destiny
There’s more to do on the Disney Destiny than you’ll likely have time for.
AquaMouse
There’s an all-new water-coaster adventure that features scenes and songs from Disney movies, with a villain theme. Of course, there’s also incredible views. You will get soaked as you wind up, down, and over the side of the ship. Would you expect anything less from a water-coaster? You need to be at least 42 inches to ride with a partner, or 48 inches and 7-years-old to ride solo.Â
Slide-a-saurus Rex
For kids who want a bit of a thrill, but aren’t ready for the AquaMouse, there’s the Slide-a-saurus Rex family-friendly slide. The theme is Toy Story bath toys going down the drain, and the slide has two loops. The minimum height requirement is 38 inches.
Pools and Splash Pad
There are more than 10 pools and water play areas on the Disney Destiny. My kids like hanging out at the Mickey and Minnie pools on Deck 11 for a great view of funnel vision movies that play around-the-clock. Most of the pools are small. But there are several spread out on Deck 11 and Deck 12, some are less crowded than others. For the littlest cruisers, the Toy Story Splash Zone is a fun place to play.
KidTripster Tip: Lifeguards supervise the pools, and life jackets are provided. Swim diapers are not allowed in the pools, but they are allowed in the Toy Story Splash Zone.
Hero Zone
This is an Incredibles-themed activity space that offers basketball, ping-pong, air hockey, and corn hole. Events sometimes take place here, like the Incredi-Games inflatable obstacle course, available at designated times during the sailing.
Spaces Just for Kids on the Disney Destiny
The kids’ clubs on Disney Cruise Line are the best. They provide kids a chance to make friends and have fun in a safe, supervised space. Of course, free babysitting is a huge perk for parents! We’ve been sailing with Disney since my daughter was a toddler, so we’ve experienced all of the clubs.
Vibe: Ages 14-17
This is supervised gathering space for older teens. There are video games, board games, and other planned activities like karaoke, silent disco, and competitive sports and games. Teens often meet up here, then head out to do other activities (like seeing a movie or show) together.
Edge: Ages 11-14
Tweens and teens have a variety of choices in this space. Video games are a popular activity with this age group, but there are lots of planned activities that kids can participate in to help foster friendships. Kids can come and go on their own.
Oceaneer’s Club & Lab: Ages 3-10
This is the largest of the clubs on-board as it serves a wide age range. Inside the Oceaneer’s Club & Lab, kids can decide what spaces they explore. It varies by ship but themed spaces may include Star Wars, The Avengers, Frozen, and Toy Story. There are lots of planned activities that include science experiments, arts & crafts, character meet-ups and more. The youth activities staff is highly trained, and very engaged with the kids.
Small World Nursery: Ages 6 months – 3-years-old
There’s a sweet space for even the smallest cruisers. The diaper-wearing set can hang out in the Small World Nursery. There are spaces for napping, and playing.
All youth clubs are complimentary, with the exception of the Small World Nursery which charges an hourly rate.
KidTripster Tip: We recommend visiting the spaces during the open house, available during the afternoon of your embarkation. Families can explore the spaces together and you can ensure that your kids are registered to participate. You can complete the registration paperwork in advance of your cruise.
[ Related: Disney Wish: Clubs for Kids ]
Other Things To Know About The Disney Destiny
Adult-Friendly Experiences
While Disney Cruise Line certainly caters to kids and families, there are lots of designated spaces and activities for the Disney adults on-board the Destiny. That includes the Quiet Cove Pool, the Cove Cafe, adult dining and cocktails at The Rose, Palo, and Enchante, the Senses Spa, and the gym. Many of the entertainment spaces are family-friendly until 8 or 9 p.m., when they become adult-only venues.
Laundry Facilities
I don’t like doing laundry on vacation, but sometimes it’s a necessity when traveling with kids. The Fairytale Fresh Laundry has washers, dryers, and irons. You can purchase detergent and dryer sheets. You’ll get a notification on the Disney Cruise app notifying you when your laundry is done.
Book Experiences & Activities Early
Depending on your Disney status (Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Pearl), your cruise activity booking window opens 90-days or more in advance of your sailing. I recommend noting the date on your calendar. Activities like spa passes, dining at Enchante and Palo, etc can book up quickly.
Online Check-In
Online check-in is available 33-40 days prior to your sailing, based on your sailing status with Disney Cruise Line. We recommend doing this when the window opens. You’ll need to be prepared to upload a photo (with certain requirements) of each family member who’s sailing with you. You’ll also have to include passport information for international cruises.
The reason we recommend doing online check-in as soon as your window opens is that it allows you to select your boarding time. We like getting on the ship as early as possible to start enjoying our vacation. The early windows are the first to go!
[ Related: 9 Reasons to Cruise with Your Family ]
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