Everything We Learned About the Disney Destiny

August 1, 2024 Randy Young

Excitement is building for Disney Cruise Line’s latest innovation, the Disney Destiny, set to embark on its maiden voyage from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in late 2025. This new heroes-and-villains-inspired ship promises a legendary cruise experience, blending the enchantment of Disney storytelling with luxurious accommodations and cutting-edge amenities.

The Disney Destiny is a follow-up ship to the Disney Wish and Treasure. It’ll feature the same layout as its sister-ships but will feature new themed venues. Disney teased information about this new ship over three days. Below is everything you need to know about the new Disney Destiny.

Disney Destiny: Heroes and Villains

The Disney Destiny will celebrate both the heroes and villains of the Disney universe. You’ll notice the duality theme throughout the ship, with both heroes and villains highlighted in many of the venues. Guests will also have the opportunity to interact with characters like Hades, Captain Hook, Oogie Boogie, Captain Jack Sparrow, Loki, and more. Mischievous villains might also be featured in popular onboard events, interrupting events like Disney trivia.

Black Panther Inspired Grand Hall

The Grand Hall on Wish-class Disney ships is a magnificent 3-story space in the heart of the ship. Each Grand Hall has a different theme; for the Disney Destiny, it’s Black Panther. The hall will feature the style of the “Black Panther” films and a statue of T’Challa, the Black Panther, will watch over the lobby.

Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King

This first-of-its-kind dining experience will celebrate the unforgettable music of “The Lion King” in a savanna-inspired venue. The restaurant will feature live musicians and storytellers performing hits like “Circle of Life” and “Hakuna Matata,” all while guests enjoy a unique, themed menu. Throughout the space, depictions of animals and nature come to life through lighting and special effects. At the same time, the window-lined back wall will transform from stunning sunrises to enchanting sunsets throughout the meal.

Edna Á La Mode Sweets

Inspired by the fashion designer Edna Mode from “The Incredibles,” this confectionary will transform her lab into a wonderland of sweets. Expect handmade gelato, ice cream, cookies, and candies in a setting filled with sewing equipment repurposed for sweet-making.

Café Megara and Café Merida

These casual walk-up cafes, located just off the Grand Hall, will serve a selection of beverages and snacks. Café Megara will feature a “Greco disco” design inspired by “Hercules,” while Café Merida will pay homage to “Brave” with a Celtic-themed decor.

De Vil’s

The piano lounge on the Disney Destiny will be inspired by the notorious villain Cruella De Vil. Cruella’s signature colors, red, black, and white, are used throughout the space; even the piano has Dalmatian spots. De Vil’s piano lounge is sure to catch your eye as you walk through the Grand Hall.

Cask and Cannon

This new pub is themed after the ride “Pirates of the Caribbean” and will feature elements and characters found in the various implementations in the Disney Parks around the world. Here, guests can sample rare and vintage rums and rum-based cocktails. Cask and Cannon will also feature “bootlegged” brews made specifically for this bar and served from a barrel.

Haunted Mansion Parlor

When Disney first announced the Treasure, the ship debuting this December, they introduced a new concept: a bar themed after the Haunted Mansion ride. Apparently, it was very well received, so they’re also bringing this concept to the Disney Destiny. Themed to look like an old-school drawing room from a classic cruise liner, this space will feature unique cocktails and characters from some of your favorite versions of the ride from around the world.

The Sanctum

This lounge will be inspired by Doctor Strange’s New York Sanctum. Here, guests will enjoy live entertainment as well as a variety of cocktails.

AquaMouse Water Coaster Returns

Disney’s 760-foot water coaster, which first debuted on the Disney Wish, will be returning on the Destiny. The ride starts with a show portion as the guest’s raft climbs to the top of the slide tower. Video screens and lighting effects tell a story before guests reach the top of the hill, and their raft shoots around the top deck.

On the Destiny, AquaMouse will feature four different shows, including a new one specific to the ship called “Sing a Silly Song.” The show will feature Micky and Minnie’s entourage villains, such as the Queen of Hearts from “Alice in Wonderland” and Scar from “The Lion King.”

Heroic Accommodations

The staterooms aboard the Disney Destiny feature legendary heroes and villains. Most staterooms will feature Disney’s signature split-bath concept and the option of connecting doors for larger groups.

Disney Destiny Will Sail out of Fort Lauderdale

Disney Destiny will sail out of Fort Lauderdale starting in November 2025. It’s the first new Disney ship to launch from this port. Bookings will open on Sept. 12, 2024.