As a travel agent specializing in Disney Destinations, I received an exclusive invitation to sail on the first-ever preview sailing of Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Destiny! If you’re wondering whether the Disney Destiny is worth booking, this detailed review covers everything you need to know about Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship. From rare villain meet and greets to Broadway-level shows, themed dining, and stunning staterooms, the Disney Destiny brings fresh innovation to the fleet while keeping the classic Disney magic families love. Here’s my complete and honest review of Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship:

Unique Character Meet & Greets on the Disney Destiny

The unique characters are some of the highlights of the Disney Destiny!

One of the biggest highlights of the Disney Destiny is its incredible lineup of character meet and greets—many of which are exclusive to this ship.

The Destiny is the only Disney Cruise Line ship featuring regular meet and greets with iconic villains, including: Maleficent, Cruella de Vil, and Dr. Facilier. These character experiences are fun, interactive, and completely unique within the fleet, making them a must-do for Disney fans.

In addition to villains, guests can also meet popular Marvel superheroes such as Spider-Man, Black Panther, and Loki. This makes the Destiny an especially great choice for families with Marvel-loving kids.

Of course, you’ll still find classic favorites like Mickey and Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and the Disney Princesses, but the Destiny’s expanded character lineup truly sets it apart.

Disney Destiny Shows: Broadway-Level Entertainment

If you’re researching what shows are on the Disney Destiny, there are some amazing options, both brand-new and spectacular!

Going into it, I wasn’t sure what to expect but hands down, the Hercules show on the Disney Destiny is one of the best productions Disney Cruise Line has ever created. Even if Hercules isn’t normally your favorite movie, this show will blow you away! I have seen many many Broadway shows (I used to live in NYC) and I consider this one a MUST see!

They don’t allow photos or recording during the shows (which is amazing and truly preserves the live show experience!) But you can expect:

Jaw-dropping vocal performances
Elaborate sets
Stunning costumes
Incredible puppetry and special effects
A high-energy soundtrack full of fan-favorite songs

In addition to Hercules, younger kids will especially love the Frozen musical, complete with magical snowfall inside the theater. It’s adorable, heartfelt, and perfect for families cruising with little ones!

There is also a third show which we did not see on the preview, Disney Seas the Adventure, which is also on the other Wish-class ships and is absolutely adorable!

Disney Destiny Restaurants & Dining

Pride Lands is gorgeous and the windows go from day to night during the course of the meal!

Wondering where to eat on the Disney Destiny? The ship offers a mix of returning guest favorites and exciting new venues.

Worlds of Marvel

A returning hit from the Wish and Treasure, Worlds of Marvel delivers fun interactive elements, entertaining moments, and a kid-friendly menu that works well for families.

Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King

The Pride Lands is visually stunning, and the built-in show features gorgeous music and emotional moments. That said, while it includes some kid-friendly favorites from the animated movie, there are other songs that may be less familiar (from the Broadway production). The performers are amazing but don’t expect to see Simba or Timon and Pumba (the performers are all just regular humans!). Also it can be loud, which may be challenging for conversation or families with sensitive kiddos.

1923

Consistent, elegant, and delicious. As reliable on the Destiny as it is on the Wish and Treasure.

Quick Service & Room Service

Extensive buffet with tons of options (Marceline Market)
24/7 complimentary room service!
Unlimited soft serve
Pool deck bites, including my favorite: burrito bowls from Donald’s Cantina

If you’re looking for the best food on the Disney Destiny, the variety and quality will not disappoint!

Disney Destiny Kids Clubs: Some of the Best Youth Spaces at Sea

If you’re wondering whether the Disney Destiny is good for kids, the answer becomes crystal clear the moment you see the youth spaces. The kids clubs on the Disney Destiny are not only beautifully themed but packed with experiences that keep children entertained for hours and give parents some well-deserved downtime.

The slide to enter the Oceaneer club on the Destiny is themed on Wreck It Ralph!

Small World Nursery (6 Months–3 Years)

Families sailing with babies and toddlers will appreciate the dedicated nursery space (reservations required). It’s calm, cozy, and staffed by highly trained childcare providers who are amazing with little ones.

Disney’s Oceaneer Club (Ages 3–12)

The Oceaneer Club is where Disney’s storytelling shines. Like the other Wish-Class ships, you enter the kids club via a SLIDE! It’s so fun! There are themed areas for Star Wars, Marvel, and Princess fans, and a roller coaster simulator that my kids loved! You can expect a mix of:

Themed play areas inspired by Disney movies
Hands-on activities led by incredible cast members
High-tech rooms for kids who love screens and superheroes
Creative spaces for arts, crafts, and imaginative play

The Oceaneer Club is structured so kids can freely explore or join scheduled activities, making it great for both outgoing kids and quieter personalities. It’s also extremely safe, secure, and clean! There are handwashing stations throughout (kids must wash hands as soon as they enter) and all kids are checked in and out by a cast member and they must wear their magic band to do so.

Edge (Ages 11–14) & Vibe (Ages 14–17)

Tweens and teens aren’t forgotten. The Destiny offers cool, club-like spaces designed just for them with: video and other types of games, movies, chill hangout areas, guided activities, and social events. The counselors are amazing and really get to know the kids! Older kids can also come and go from the clubs as they please.

These clubs strike the perfect balance between supervision and independence, which older kids love. Honestly, I wanted to hang out here and play Nintendo Switch on my cruise!

De Vil’s is one of the most fun and uniquely-themed adults only lounges on any Disney Cruise Line ship!

Lounges and Adults-Only Spaces on the Disney Destiny

If you’re planning an adults-only vacation or want to know whether the Disney Destiny has good lounges, the answer is yes, ABSOLUTELY yes!

De Vil’s Lounge

A chic, Cruella-inspired piano bar with delicious cocktails and an upscale, mischievous vibe.

Cask and Cannon

Pirates of the Caribbean themed snacks and fun tropical drinks make this a great nighttime hangout.

Haunted Mansion Parlor

This lounge is beautifully themed, full of Easter eggs, and incredibly detailed. Best of all, it’s all ages during the day, so families can experience it together. I know my kids are going to absolutely love it!

Disney has done an amazing job creating adults-only spaces that still fit the ship’s overall storytelling.

Disney Destiny Staterooms: Amazing themes and luxurious vibes

A Mulan-themed deluxe oceanview stateroom with verandah, with both bunks pulled down for night!

If you’re researching what the rooms look like on the Disney Destiny, here’s what to expect.

Standard staterooms include themes inspired by:

Mulan (decks 2, 6, and 7)
Hercules (decks 2, 6, and 7)
Raya and the Last Dragon (decks 8 and 9)
Brave (decks 8 and 9)
Big Hero 6 (decks 10 and 11)
The Incredibles (decks 10 and 11)
Fantasia (concierge rooms on decks 12 and 13)

Most rooms include:

A split bathroom, ideal for families
A privacy curtain between the bed and living/sleeping area
Tons of smart storage
An overall efficient, thoughtful design

Concierge and suites

At the top of the luxury tier is the Iron Man–themed Tower Suite, a 2-story stateroom that sleeps 8 and includes! There are also gorgeous other suites and concierge-level rooms that include dedicated service and private lounge access!

**Is the Disney Destiny Good for Boys or Girls? (Short Answer: YES — for Everyone!)**

Both boys and girls will LOVE meeting all their favorite characters on the Destiny!

I’ve been hearing these types of questions from a lot of people - “Is the Destiny TOO ‘boy’ focused?” Or “Is the Wish too princess-y"?” Or “Will my girl have anything to enjoy on the Destiny?” Bottom line, this ship is truly designed for every type of kid (and adult!), no matter their interests. My daughters both LOVE Marvel and superheroes and they can’t wait to sail on this ship. And the ship balances those newer characters with all the beloved Disney classics like Mickey and friends, princesses, plus the new addition of Villains!

No matter what your child is into — princesses, pirates, Marvel heroes, villains, Frozen, Lion King, or classic Disney nostalgia — there is truly something for EVERYONE on the Disney Destiny. The ship is intentionally designed to appeal to a wide range of interests so siblings, cousins, and entire multigenerational families all feel included and excited.

Final Thoughts: Is the Disney Destiny Worth It?

I had the best time on the preview sailing of the Disney Destiny and would love to help you sail on this wonderful ship!

The Disney Destiny is an outstanding addition to the Disney Cruise Line fleet. With exclusive characters, incredible entertainment, immersive dining, beautiful staterooms, and top-tier kids and adults-only spaces, this ship is perfect for:

Families with young children
Multigenerational trips
Marvel and villain fans
First-time Disney cruisers
Loyal DCL travelers looking for something new

If you’re considering booking a Disney Destiny cruise, I’d love to help you find the perfect sailing and make the planning process completely stress-free! Just fill out my contact form here to get started!

Disney Destiny Review: A Complete Guide to Disney Cruise Line’s Newest Ship