Note: This is Disney’s newest ship and Travel Grown Planners have not been able to sail on it yet. But we have had several clients sail and they all have loved it. Because of this, we don’t have a lot of photos available. You’ll see a lot of artist renderings mixed in on this post. As soon as we sail, we will update this page with more info and photos!

If you’re thinking about a Disney cruise, the Disney Destiny has raised the bar in a big way. This ship leans fully into heroes, villains, and the idea that every great story needs both light and dark. It feels bold, dramatic, and playful in a way that’s unmistakably Disney. If you love immersive storytelling, strong theming, and cruises that feel like an experience rather than just a vacation, this one deserves your attention.

From Marvel legends to classic Disney heroes and villains, the Destiny is designed to make you feel like you’ve stepped into the middle of an epic story. Whether you’re cruising with kids, teens, or planning a kid-free getaway, this ship offers a mix of high-energy fun and genuinely relaxing spaces that feels very well balanced.

The Ship at a Glance

As you board the Disney Destiny, your party will be greeted by name, and Wakanda’s protector, Black Panther, will welcome you into the Grand Hall. For the first time, the ship’s character statue features a Marvel superhero: T’Challa himself. The Grand Hall also features an atrium stage, where heroes, villains, and other familiar faces will make special appearances throughout the sailing.

The overall design of the ship was inspired by what Disney calls the “dynamic duality” of storytelling, the push and pull between heroes and villains. You’ll see this theme everywhere, from the lighting and artwork to character encounters and entertainment. The Grand Hall even comes alive with a 360-degree lighting display that reacts to appearances by Disney and Marvel characters.

On the exterior, Minnie Mouse takes the lead on the bow, ready for adventure. And on the stern, you’ll spot something entirely new for the fleet: a Spider-Bot swinging across the back of the ship.

Rooms & Ship Layout: Bold, Comfortable, and Story-Driven

The staterooms on the Disney Destiny continue everything Disney Cruise Line does well. Clean, comfortable, functional spaces with just the right amount of Disney magic layered in. You’ll find split bathrooms, plenty of storage, and layouts that work beautifully for families.

The artwork in the staterooms highlights legendary Disney journeys, with themes inspired by Hercules, Mulan, Merida, and Sorcerer Mickey from Fantasia. The theming feels elevated and intentional, not cartoonish, which makes the rooms feel calm and welcoming after busy days onboard.

Rotational Dining with Big Energy

Rotational dining is one of Disney Cruise Line’s best features, and the Destiny’s lineup is a standout. You’ll rotate through three main dining rooms, keeping the same serving team each night.

Here’s what you can expect on the Destiny:

Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King This immersive dining experience combines themed cuisine with a live musical retelling of The Lion King. As you dine, a pride of singers and musicians perform iconic songs like Circle of Life and Hakuna Matata in a space that feels alive with lighting, movement, and storytelling.
Worlds of Marvel Hosted by Rocket and Groot, this dining experience turns dinner into a rockin’, rollin’ Marvel celebration. Baby Groot takes center stage with music inspired by the Awesome Mix tapes, and the entire meal feels playful, interactive, and perfect for Marvel fans.
1923 Named for the year The Walt Disney Company was founded, this elegant restaurant celebrates the golden age of animation. Surrounded by sketches, storyboards, and props from the Disney vault, guests enjoy California-inspired cuisine in a setting that feels classic and refined.

Casual Dining and Quick Bites

Marceline Market is the ship’s buffet, open for breakfast and lunch with a wide variety of crowd-pleasing options.
On the pool deck, Mickey & Friends Festival of Foods serves up pizza, burgers, chicken tenders, tacos, and more.
Edna À La Mode Sweets is a must-visit for dessert lovers, offering gelato, cookies, cupcakes, candies, and the fan-favorite Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums.
Café Megara and Café Merida offer coffee and light bites, each themed with subtle nods to their films.
Room service is available 24 hours a day and included with your cruise fare.

Adults-Only Dining

Palo Steakhouse and Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement are available for adults looking for an elevated dining experience. Both require reservations and an additional cost and are ideal for date nights at sea.

Entertainment: Broadway-Caliber and Beyond

The Walt Disney Theatre is home to some of the best entertainment at sea. Guests can enjoy Broadway-style productions, including:

Disney Seas the Adventure, an original musical featuring characters from Moana, Frozen II, The Princess and the Frog, Finding Nemo, and more.
Frozen, A Musical Spectacular, bringing Anna and Elsa’s story to life on stage.
Disney Hercules, developed exclusively for the Disney Destiny, featuring a pop and gospel-inspired soundtrack, immersive projections, and large-scale puppetry.

The theatre also hosts Disney movie premieres, allowing guests to watch films on opening day while at sea.

Pools, Recreation, and Thrills

The AquaMouse returns on the Disney Destiny with an all-new storyline called Sing a Silly Song. Join Mickey and Minnie as you splash your way through Villain Mountain, encountering familiar villains along the way.

Families can enjoy multiple pools on the pool deck, while toddlers and non–potty-trained kids will love the Toy Story Splash Zone.

Hero Zone, inspired by The Incredibles, is a futuristic sports arena featuring physical challenges, family competitions, and game-show-style fun.

Adults can retreat to Quiet Cove Pool, a completely adults-only sun deck with an infinity pool, hot tubs, and a poolside bar.

Kids, Teens, and Family Spaces

Disney just gets it when it comes to kid and teen spaces.

it’s a small world nursery! – A safe, gentle space for the tiniest cruisers (ages 6 months to 3 years). You’ll need a reservation, and there’s a small fee, but it’s worth it for a little grown-up time.
Oceaneer Club (ages 3–10) – features immersive spaces like Walt Disney Imagineering Lab and Marvel Super Hero Academy.
Edge (ages 11–14) and Vibe (ages 14–17) – Cool hangout spots with games, music, and just enough independence.
The Hideaway – Designed for ages 18–20, this gives that in-between crew a space of their own.

Basically, your kids won’t be bored and you’ll get to enjoy your vacation knowing they’re in good hands.

Adults-Only Experiences

Senses Spa offers a truly standout experience on the Disney Destiny. The Rainforest Room includes indoor and outdoor spaces, heated loungers, an aromatherapy steam room, dry sauna, ice room, whirlpool spas, and ocean-view lounging areas. Guests can purchase a day pass or length-of-cruise pass.

Adults can also enjoy beverage tastings and seminars covering wine, beer, spirits, and more.

Lounges across the ship include De Vil’s piano lounge, Cask and Cannon with its pirate-inspired rum menu, The Sanctum inspired by Doctor Strange, Haunted Mansion Parlor, The Rose, and more.

Heroes, Villains, and Character Encounters

Guests can encounter heroes and villains throughout the sailing, including Loki, Maleficent, Dr. Facilier, Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, Oogie Boogie, Captain Jack Sparrow, and Bruno. Loki even declares himself ruler of the ship in the Grand Hall.

Live entertainment moments like Sounds of Wakanda bring music and culture to life, while interactive experiences and comedy shows add humor and surprise throughout the voyage.

Final Thoughts

The Disney Destiny feels bold, theatrical, and completely immersive. It’s a ship designed for guests who love stories, characters, and experiences that feel larger than life. Whether you’re traveling with kids, teens, or planning an adults-only cruise with a Disney twist, the Destiny delivers something truly special.

Want help planning your cruise on the Destiny? I’d love to help you find the right room, itinerary, and all the extras that make it special. Let’s make it happen - start planning today.

Disney Destiny: What To Expect On This Hero-filled Disney Cruise