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My 10 Ratings of New Things on the Disney Destiny

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A sister ship to the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, the Disney Destiny began sailing in late 2025. While the basic structure and layout of the ships are unchanged, the overall theme and some specific venues have changed. Overall, I think they work, but some are more successful than others. Here are my ratings for 10 new things on the Destiny.

1. The Grand Hall – Concept art for the Grand Hall did not do it justice. It’s stunning. There’s a 360-degree lighting system that can change the appearance and mood of the entire space based on what activity is taking place there. When Loki takes over, it’s green; on Pirate Night, it’s orange. The details on the T’Challa and Black Panther statue are incredible. It all works together, and I love it. Rating – 4 ½ Stars

2. Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King – Out of everything on the Destiny, Pride Lands was absolutely the thing I was most excited about. It was – good. Parts of it were great! But it was not what I hoped it would be. The food is good, and the performers are amazing. It was just more of a high-brow version of The Lion King than I was expecting. While I wasn’t necessarily expecting Timon and Pumba to be there, I was expecting something a little more similar to Festival of the Lion King in Animal Kingdom. Talented performers, favorite songs, and a little humor for everyone. Pride Lands on the Destiny had more of a convoluted story with a song or two that were unfamiliar, and not much to keep the kids entertained. I have heard others say they loved it, though, so maybe it’s my fault for having expectations. Rating – I’m going to give it 3 stars with definite potential for more.

3. Disney Hercules – I’ll be honest, the first time I saw Hercules, I was blown away by the performances. The Muses and Hercules, in particular, were amazing, but I didn’t love some parts of the show itself. The puppetry was so impressive, but the fight scenes with them were a little long and awkward. The second time I saw it, I enjoyed it a little more, and I think that will continue the more times I see it. This was more of a hip-hop version of Hercules at times, so if you’re looking for the classic, temper your expectations. Rating – 3 ½ – 4 Stars

4. The Sanctum – I’m such a huge fan of The Bayou on the Wish and Skipper Society on the Treasure, that I didn’t think I would like this much darker version of the space. But it works! The dark woods, rich colors, and framed leather books work together for an elegant but cool space. The cocktail options are full of special effects, like levitating glasses, pulsing light drinks, and more. I still hate the obnoxious light from the high-end watch stores that line one side, invading the space, but I like the space itself. Rating – 4 Stars

5. Café Megara and Café Merida – Cove Café for adults on the Wish-Class ships is so tucked away that Disney put two specialty coffee bars right off the Grand Hall. They don’t just serve coffee; they also have cocktails, wine, tea, and more. Each menu is different, so they’re both worth checking out. The décor and details are top-notch. Megara on the Destiny is themed to Hercules with lighting clouds on the ceiling. Merida has an adorable tartan plaid carpet surrounding it and a plate of sweet pies on the counter, reminiscent of the sweets the triplets loaded up on in Brave. So cute! Rating – 4 ½ Stars

6. Cask & Cannon – Cask & Cannon is the sports bar on the Destiny, in the same space as Keg & Compass on the Wish, and Periscope Pub on the Treasure. If we’re comparing, nothing tops Periscope Pub. If we are rating based on its own merits, this Pirates of the Caribbean-themed bar is very well done. There are treasure maps, the portholes look like stained glass from an old tavern, and yes, don’t worry, there’s rum. Lots of it! I like this space a lot, but it feels too similar to Keg & Compass to me. Rating – 3 ½ Stars

7. De Vil’s – De Vil’s is one of my favorite spaces onboard. I absolutely love the theme, the colors, the white grand piano with puppy prints on it, love it all! Like the same space on the other ships, it’s too small, but they added a tiny bit more seating in the back corner. They also added a great activity – Treble Making with Cruella. I don’t want to give too much away, but if you see it on the schedule, go! It’s worth it! Rating – 4 ½ Stars

8. Edna A’La Mode Sweets – I don’t love any of the sweet shops onboard. I’ve never been a fan of upcharge ice cream onboard just out of principle. But I do love The Incredibles, and so if we’re stuck with these (and it appears we are), Edna’s is my preference. The theming is adorable. The menu doesn’t vary too much from ship to ship, but it’s all visually appealing and is hard to pass up. Rating – 3 ½ Stars

9. Saga – Saga is somewhat interchangeable with Luna on the Wish, and Sarabi on the Treasure. Other than the open windows on the top deck, where any passing kids can hear things happening inside after the space turns to adult-only games and shows at night, I like the space on all of the ships. It’s big, and there’s a lot of room inside. Saga has a Black Panther theme and colors, but it’s subtle! Rating – 4 Stars

10. Heroes and Villains Theme – The overall theme of the Destiny is Heroes and Villains. I’ve gone on record as saying I don’t quite get a villain’s theme. Why do we celebrate the villains of the story? But I digress. I was worried that I would be turned off by so many villains. But it wasn’t overwhelming. There are plenty of heroes to celebrate! And if you are a fan of villains, there are so many unique opportunities to see them. There’s a fashion show with Cruella, a Maleficent show with audience participation, followed by a meet and greet, a secretive encounter with Dr. Facilier that feels very unlike anything else Disney has done on other ships, and the list goes on. The Marvel elements are great as well, and there are enough classic characters and activities onboard to make everyone happy. If you think this ship is just for Villains fans or just for Marvel fans, it’s not. There’s a little something for almost everyone! Rating – 4 ½ Stars

Do you have questions about the Destiny? Have you been onboard yet?

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Tammy Whiting

Tammy is the author of The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line. There’s nowhere on this Earth Tammy would rather be than on a Disney cruise with her family. Tammy owns Storybook Destinations, a travel agency specializing in Disney vacations. You can follow Tammy's travels @CruisingwithTammy on Instagram or reach Tammy by email at Tammy@StorybookDestinations.com.

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