Cruising on the Disney Destiny before its inaugural voyage on November 20 was nothing short of an honor — and a dream come true. ConciEARS was invited on a special preview sailing, giving us a rare first glimpse at Disney’s newest ship before it officially launched. And let me tell you: it more than lived up to the hype.

A Ship Built on Duality: Heroes vs. Villains

From the moment you step aboard, the Destiny leans hard into its Heroes & Villains theme — and it feels deeply immersive. Everywhere, the duality of good and evil is woven into the design, the entertainment, and even the architecture. The Grand Hall, inspired by Black Panther, sets the tone as soon as you step onboard with a striking statue of T’Challa as the centerpiece. Dynamic lighting around the entire hall, changing colors and intensity depending on which hero or villain is currently around.

This isn’t just decoration — the theme comes alive. During our sailing, we encountered rare character interactions with heroes and villains. They mingled in small groups, appeared in unexpected corners, and engaged in playful, spontaneous moments. It felt less like a stage show and more like living a REAL superhero story.

One fun bonus are the ship storytellers, Zayah and Gamble. These two pop up all around the ship performing hilarious skits, introducing characters, and bringing stories to life in unexpected ways. If you see them on your Navigator app schedule, definitely make an effort to stop by and see what they’re up to!

Unique Lounges & Themed Spaces

One of the most magical parts of the ship is The Sanctum, inspired by Doctor Strange. It’s not just a bar — it’s a mystical parlor full of artifacts and crazy magical drinks. We liked the Mirror Dimension (served in a special glass that creates lightning when you touch it) and another drink that actually levitates. 😮

On the flip side, for lovers of the darker Disney side, there’s De Vil’s, a gorgeous, adults-only piano lounge themed to Cruella de Vil. The piano spotted like Dalmatian fur, the glamorous décor. It’s exactly as theatrical and chic as you hope it will be.

For Disney Parks fans, you won’t want to miss the Haunted Mansion Parlor — a moody, spooky lounge filled with nods to your favorite grim grinning ghosts. This lounge also exists on the Disney Treasure, but here it has a whole new menu. Same spooky vibes but with different cocktails and mocktails to enjoy while you watch happy haunts perform around the room. FYI, kids are welcome here until 9 pm each day — if they dare. 😉

Dining That Tells a Story

Rotational dining on Destiny is elevated to an art. Among the three main dining rooms is a brand new showstopper, Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King. This is not just dinner — it’s a theatrical journey. Live musicians and storytellers guide guests through Simba’s story, set against windows that shift from sunrise to sunset.

Beyond that, the ship still carries beloved favorites from the Wish-class like Worlds of Marvel and 1923 for your other rotational dining options. You’ll still get that familiar Disney Cruise dining feel, but with brand-new energy. Don’t forget — all of these restaurants are included in your sail fare at no extra cost, and your dining team moves to each location with you!

Fun for All Ages — and Then Some

Disney Cruises are known for their impeccable, imaginative kids clubs — and the Destiny lives up to the hype. Hop into the candy-cane-painted slide to cruise right into the Oceaneers Club. You’ll find it decorated with Wreck-it Ralph touches created just for the Destiny (like waffle cone carpet and life-size statues of Ralph and Vanellope). Here kids can live out their favorite movies in areas like Marvel Super Hero Academy, Star Wars Cargo Bay and Fairy Tale Hall. At Walt Disney Imagineering Lab they can design their own roller coaster. And they can climb and play in Mickey and Minnie’s Captain’s Deck playground.

Up on the pool deck, there’s AquaMouse — but not as you know it. The Destiny introduces a whole new “show” for the water coaster: Sing a Silly Song. In true Disney fashion, Mickey and Minnie go up Villain Mountain, face off with some of the most iconic Disney antagonists, and turn the scary moments silly through song and pixie dust.

Ceremony, Surprises, & ConciEARS Magic

The Destiny is the third ship in the Wish Class (along with Disney Wish and Disney Treasure) — but it felt completely different! We expected it to be a cookie-cutter duplicate of the others but it was not. Between the Heroes and Villains, the unique spaces you can only find on this ship, even the carpet and artwork — this ship is truly one of a kind.

It was such an honor for ConciEARS to be invited on the christening sailing! We felt like we were part of history.

We also saw how small-group interactions were prioritized. Rather than huge meet-and-greets, we experienced more intimate moments with characters, longer conversations, and real storytelling. It’s something that sets this sailing apart from anything else Disney has offered.

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Why This Sailing Will Stay with Me

• Thematic depth: Not just “fun suits,” but an entire ship built around the conflict between heroes and villains — and that theme informs everything.
• Character moments: Rare, meaningful, and surprise-filled.
• One-of-a-kind spaces: Sanctum Lounge, Pride Lands dining, and so much more.
• Family magic + sophistication: For kids, thrill-seekers, and lovers of refined storytelling alike.

If you ever have the chance to sail on the Disney Destiny — especially on a preview or inaugural sailing — don’t hesitate. It’s not just a cruise. It’s a voyage into legend.

We’d love to help you plan your Disney Cruise! Connect with one of our ConciEARS Travel Planners or request a vacation quote today.