In an unusual first-look roll-out of details of its newest ship, taking place over three days, Disney Cruise Line (DCL) has revealed the first details of the heroes and villains-inspired Disney Destiny, which will set sail in late 2025 from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Embracing the “dynamic duality of every great Disney story, where opposing forces of light and dark drive characters to rise to their destinies,” DCL says a diverse range of Disney, Pixar, and Marvel characters will be the inspiration behind themed venues and entertainment aboard the ship, including a first-of-its-kind dining experience inspired by the music of “The Lion King;” an exclusive confectionary themed to “The Incredibles;” and hero-worthy staterooms and concierge accommodations.
More new offerings coming to the Disney Destiny will be announced in the coming days on the Disney Parks Blog and disneycruise.com.
“For the Disney Destiny, we will introduce brand-new cruise experiences inspired by the legends and legacies of some of Disney’s most iconic heroes and villains,” said Sharon Siskie, Sr. VP and GM of Disney Cruise Line. “From the dining rooms to the staterooms and everywhere in between, guests aboard our new ship will be surrounded by extraordinary storytelling paired with the signature service and family-fun adventures that are hallmarks of a Disney Cruise vacation.”
Here’s a look:
The ‘Mane’ Event – A Feast for the Senses
The iconic songs and legendary moments of “The Lion King” will 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.
The savanna-inspired venue will bring unique depictions of animals and nature to life through lighting and special effects, while the window-lined back wall will transform from stunning sunrises to enchanting sunsets throughout the meal.
As families dine, a colourful ensemble of live musicians and storytellers will take the stage in the center of the restaurant – complete with tiered risers that evoke African drums – as they present a musical journey through the award-winning soundtrack. Performances will include productions of “Circle of Life” and “Hakuna Matata,” plus a mash-up of “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” and “Be Prepared,” a fun take that highlights the hero-villain dynamic of the story.
A uniquely themed menu will underscore beloved music during this soulful celebration of family and Simba’s journey to embrace his destiny.
It’s a Sweet Shop, Darling
Edna Mode’s lab, where the famed fashion designer from Pixar Animation Studios’ “The Incredibles” films whips up outfits for the world’s most famous Supers, will be transformed into a one-of-a-kind confectionary at the brand-new Edna Á La Mode Sweets aboard the Disney Destiny.
Inspired by the “Auntie Edna” short film, the lab’s modern sewing equipment will be repurposed as sweet-making mechanisms meant to entertain Jack-Jack, the unpredictable and hilariously unstable super baby. The results: a marvelous selection of handmade gelato, ice cream, cookies, candies and specialty treats served among the lab’s bolts of fabric, costume models and picture-perfect sculptures of both Edna and Jack-Jack — one hard at work, one hungry for “num nums.”
Fuel for Heroic Feats
Just off the Grand Hall – the central hub and gathering space on the Disney Destiny – two casual walk-up cafés will serve a mighty selection of coffee, tea, specialty beverages and snacks.
Café Megara, named for the witty and independent heroine of Disney Animation’s “Hercules,” will pay homage to the film’s ancient world of Greek gods and legendary heroes. With a unique “Greco disco” design, the vibrant space will be filled with the lightning bolts and clouds of Mount Olympus, vases featuring the Muses, nods to Pegasus and waves on the ceiling.
Café Merida will be inspired by the flame-haired heroine of Pixar’s “Brave” with a Celtic-centered design that invokes her family’s Scottish Highlands heritage. Special touches include a tapestry hung from a mounted bow, while glowing lights above the bar will pay tribute to the will-o’-the-wisps, ethereal blue flames that lead travelers to their destiny.
Hero-Worthy Retreats
With luxurious accommodations, each stateroom will showcase custom artwork depicting the epic journeys of famous Disney legends, evoking a sense of awe and inspiration as families rest, reconnect and dream of far-off places.
Like every Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Destiny will offer spacious, comfortable and functional staterooms that uniquely meet the needs of families. Most staterooms will feature Disney Cruise Line’s signature split-bath concept, and many will offer the option of a connecting door that adjoins staterooms to accommodate larger groups.
Concierge guests aboard the Disney Destiny will receive a premium level of dedicated service and access to exclusive areas and amenities throughout their voyage, including a concierge lounge and private sun deck.
Large, lavishly appointed concierge staterooms and suites will draw guests into the enigmatic world of Disney Animation’s “Fantasia” through elegant, watercolour-style artwork illustrating the rich colour palette, otherworldly spectacle, and dynamic duality of the classic film. Seven special oceanview rooms located directly above the bridge and adorned in the distinctive iconography of Pixar’s “The Incredibles” will provide awe-inspiring, floor-to-ceiling views.
In four royal suites of heroic proportions, guests will feel the majestic powers and noble heroism at the heart of Disney Animation’s “Hercules” where the Hero Suites will be inspired by Greco-Roman architecture, colours and patterns. The boldly themed IncrediSuites will invoke the exploits of “The Incredibles” through a streamlined mid-century modern aesthetic inspired by the Pixar films.
Disney expansion
The Disney Destiny will be approximately 144,000 gross tons and powered by liquefied natural gas. Its delivery is part of a multi-year expansion of the Disney Cruise Line fleet that includes the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure; the Disney Adventure that will homeport in Singapore; the recently announced agreement with Disney and Oriental Land Co., Ltd. (OLC) to bring Disney cruise vacations to Japan in 2029; and a new island destination in The Bahamas: Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.