All That’s New on Disney Destiny, Disney’s Dazzling New Cruise Ship
- Disney Destiny, the third ship in Disney Cruise Line’s Wish Class, sets sail from Fort Lauderdale on her maiden voyage on November 20, featuring a "Heroes and Villains" theme that runs through nearly every experience onboard, from dining to entertainment.
Disney Destiny, the third ship in Disney Cruise Line's Wish Class, officially sets sail from Fort Lauderdaleon her maiden voyage o nNovember 20—a voyage brimming with anticipation, storytelling and Disney's signature magic touch. The 144,000-ton vessel, which follows the Disney Wishand Disney Treasure, will whisk families from Florida to Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, and Nassau, Bahamas.
This newly christened ship isn't just another addition to the fleet—it's a floating celebration of Disney's most beloved theme: heroes and villains. From inventive dining that blends performance and cuisine to Broadway-caliber shows and imaginative new lounges, the Destiny is designed as an immersive stage for what Disney Destiny Cruise DirectorCarly Scottcalls its "most dramatic and entertaining" storytelling experience at sea yet.
And as she shared ahead of launch, "Every space invites guests to step into the stories they love—to live out adventures between the light and the dark, the brave and the mischievous." Here's all that's new and different from its two predecessors, Disney Wishand Treasure .
Related: Disney Destiny Christens Its Newest Ship, Disney Destiny—See First Photos
New Theme—Heroes and Villains
Guests aboard the Disney Destiny may encounter the swindles and scams of the playfully sinister practitioner of the macabre, Dr. Facilier, in the upper levels of the Grand Hall or in his own makeshift parlor, inviting guests in for a card trick or sleight of hand. (Disney)
If Disney Wish embodied optimism and wonder, Disney Destiny celebrates contrast—light versus dark, courage versus chaos. The ship's overarching "Heroes and Villains" theme runs through nearly every experience onboard, uniting characters from across Disney's worlds—from Maleficent and Hades to T'Challa, Loki and Cruella de Vil.
Guests can expect to see these icons appear in surprise encounters, meet-and-greets and even interactive dining moments. In the ship's Grand Hall, Loki and Dr. Facilier have both appeared, setting a mischievous tone the moment guests step aboard. Josh D'Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, called the concept "a first for Disney Cruise Line—a way to celebrate both sides of the story."
"We thought this would be a really unique way to bring fans into the experience," D'Amaro said. "They'll get to see their favorite heroes and villains in a way they never have before."
New Hall—The Grand Hall
The Grand Hall is Destiny's centerpiece—an atrium that evokes both a royal ballroom and cinematic set. Inspired by the heroic spirit of Marvel's Black Panther , the space sparkles with shimmering golds, deep purples and geometric motifs reminiscent of Wakanda.
A life-size statue of Black Panther greets guests beneath a ceiling, railings and ballroom-style staircase that change hues from day to night. The Grand Hall also doubles as an entertainment venue, where surprise appearances from Marvel characters and Disney villains take place throughout each voyage. "It's a hall of heroes—but with a few surprises lurking in the shadows," one Imagineer teased at a panel discussion for the ship's reveal.
New Restaurant—Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King
The iconic songs and legendary moments of "The Lion King" come to life at Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King, a first-of-its-kind dining experience celebrating the renowned music of the Walt Disney Animation Studios film that continues to transcend generations. (Disney)
One of the ship's most immersive new experiences is Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King, part of Disney Cruise Line's rotational dining concept—where guests dine in a different themed restaurant each night, with the same serving team following them throughout the voyage.
In Pride Lands, guests enter the world of The Lion King for a dinner that comes alive with music and storytelling. The dining room captures the warmth of an African savanna at sunset, complete with dramatic lighting and percussion that signal each act of the performance. As one Pride Lands server told us, "There's a guest interaction moment that really gets the crowd going. Everyone—even the servers—gets to be a kid again."
The menu is a fusion of African-inspired dishes with spices like Harissa and ras el hanout, and Disney favorites. Signature numbers from The Lion King punctuate the meal, including "Circle of Life," "Hakuna Matata" and "He Lives in You." "It's unlike any other menu we've had," one crew member added. "The story and food work together—every dish has a moment."
Related: This is the Best Disney Cruise Ship for Families in 2025, According to an Imagineer
New Lounges—De Vil's, Sanctum and Cask & Cannon
An evening at De Vil's piano lounge on the Disney Destiny is a lavish affair emblematic of the bar's namesake, the fabulously over-the-top villain Cruella de Vil of Walt Disney Animation Studios' "One Hundred and One Dalmatians" and the acclaimed 2021 live action film. Amid sultry tunes from the spotted piano, guests can wind down in style with trendy martinis, chic cocktails, and glamorous wines and bubblies. (Disney)
The ship's nightlife scene leans into its theme of duality with three fun new venues where cast members in character are always ready to trade banter and make mischief:
De Vil's—A piano bar painted in red, pink, black and white, where Cruella herself makes stylish appearances. Guests can request sing-alongs with the cast while sipping themed cocktails like the "I Live for Furs," a gin-based drink with vanilla and raspberry.
Sanctum—Inspired by Marvel's Dr. Strange , this mystical lounge features glowing pink cocktails, paneled walls and mystical artifacts. One signature drink, the "Vapors of Valtor," comes served under a dome of swirling bubbles.
Cask & Cannon—A Pirates of the Caribbean –themed pub where the rum selection runs deep and the décor leaves clues—from weathered ship wheels to Easter eggs marking each of Disney's ships painted on the ceiling. Don't miss the "Dead Man's Chest," a treasure chest with double the drinks that reveals a smoky mist when opened.
Related: 7 Cruises Superfans Can't Wait to Book in 2025, According to Experts
New Coffee Shops—Megara, Medara and Cove Café
Café Megara, named for the witty and independent heroine of Walt Disney Animation Studios' "Hercules," is one of two casual walk-up cafes aboard the Disney Destiny where guests can discover a selection of coffee, tea, specialty beverages, and snacks. (Disney)
Hidden up on Deck 13, The Cove Café is the ship's quiet gem—a sleek, space that may be your favorite space to hit before sunrise. Opening at 6:30 a.m., it's the first stop for many guests eager for an expertly brewed espresso or a Thai iced coffee with cardamom and anise.
At Café Megara and Café Medara, two walk-up cafés inspired by Disney heroines ( Hercules and Brave , respectively), guests can find coffee bar treats, tea and juices—plus dozens of fun easter eggs hidden in the decor, from a pegasus on the wallpaper to Meg's likeness on the chairs.
New Ice Cream Shop—Edna à La Mode
Character-inspired cupcakes: Purple Velvet Sponge Cake with white chocolate mousse; Double Chocolate Fudge Cake with chocolate truffle mousse; Vanilla Marble Sponge Cake with white chocolate mousse; and Orange-Almond Cake with raspberry mousse (Kent Phillips, photographer)
For those with a sweet tooth, Edna à La Mode is as chic as its namesake. The Incredibles -inspired gelateria features bold colors and plenty of personality. Guests can choose from 16 rotating gelato flavors—from Neapolitan and pistachio to Heath Bar Crunch—plus a lineup of fun toppings. Chocolate bark, mini mousse cups and cupcakes are made fresh daily.
New Show— Hercules
"Disney Hercules" is a brand-new, Broadway-style retelling of the Walt Disney Animation Studios film developed exclusively for the Disney Destiny. Embodying the ship's theme of "heroes and villains," the show features jaw-dropping puppetry to represent the mythological behemoths that Hercules must defeat to fulfill his hero's journey, such as the multi-headed Hydra monster. (Disney)
If any one production embodies Disney Destiny 's theme and ambition, it's the new stage adaptation of Hercules . The hour-long musical, exclusive to the ship, reimagines the 1997 animated classic with cutting-edge stagecraft—from a five-headed Hydra to costumes that change color through lighting magic.
Hercules' Corey Bradford—who previously sailed on the Disney Dream—said stepping into the role feels like "living a dream within a dream." "It's a huge honor to sing Alan Menken's music in this new version," he told us. "There's a 90s R&B nostalgia to it—it's triumphant and soulful at the same time."
His favorite moment? "I love the 'Zero to Hero' number. It's the only time I get to dance, and I've been dancing since I was a kid. It's my few seconds to shine—and the audience feels it, too."
Backed by a powerhouse cast and a live band, the show captures the humor and heart of the original film while adding a contemporary rhythm that keeps audiences cheering. It's a bold new take that sets the tone for future Disney Cruise Line productions.
New Rooms—Modern Comforts and Disney Touches
With luxurious accommodations that embrace the duality in every great story, a hero's welcome awaits guests aboard the Disney Destiny. Each verandah stateroom showcases custom artwork depicting the epic journeys of famous Disney legends and includes features that uniquely meet the needs of families. (Disney)
Each of Disney Destiny's staterooms is designed to feel sleek and modern and provide ample room for families to move. Spacious layouts accommodate up to four or five guests with a queen bed, a convertible sofa daybed and a pull-down bunk or Murphy bed—plus the beloved split bathroom concept that allows families to get ready simultaneously.
Every deck showcases different custom mural art featuring classic Disney heroes and heroines, from the Incredibles, Mulan to Brave and Hercules . Balcony "verandah" rooms offer generous outdoor space, while oceanview staterooms feature playful circular windows that mimic portholes.
Concierge-level suites come with access to separate pools, lounges and private sundecks on Decks 12 and 13—ideal for guests seeking quiet luxury while staying close to the heart of the ship.
New Ride—AquaMouse: Villains' Revenge
The Disney Destiny introduces a quirky new storyline on AquaMouse, Disney Cruise Line's signature attraction at sea. In "Sing a Silly Song," Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse lead guests on a seemingly ominous trek to the peak of Villain Mountain. When faced with some of the most fearsome villains of Disney Animation lore, the duo employs a silly song — and a bit of pixie dust — to transform each chilling encounter into a wacky surprise. (Disney)
Returning from Disney Wish and Treasure is the AquaMouse—but this time, it's got a mischievous twist. Dubbed "Villains' Revenge," the top-deck water coaster sends riders through animated sequences featuring Disney's most devious characters.
Micky and Minnie must face Maleficent's green flames, Ursula's tentacles and Oogie Boogie's spinning dice—all brought to life with onboard effects. It's a perfect blend of thrills, storytelling and family fun, setting Disney Destiny apart from any cruise ship at sea.
New Marvel Appearances
Guests aboard the Disney Destiny may encounter Loki, the fan-favorite character from Marvel Studios' films and the "Loki" television series. True to his infamous ego and affinity for chaos-making, you'll never know where Loki may turn up with a grand proclamation of his glorious purpose or dubious retelling of a well-known story. (Disney)
Marvel fans will find plenty to celebrate on Disney Destiny. From the ship's stern, adorned with Spider-Man and his web-bots, to surprise appearances from Loki and Doctor Strange to the returning Worlds of Marvel restaurant, the heroes—and villains—of the Marvel Cinematic Universe are woven throughout the voyage.
Interactive meet-and-greets and themed dining experiences allow fans to step into the story themselves, whether it's joining the Avengers for a mission or debating who the real hero is over dessert. As one Imagineer put it during the preview sailing, "You don't just watch the story here—you live in it."
This story was originally reported by Parade on Nov 15, 2025, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
