Disney Destiny Cruise Ship Review
Haunted Mansion Bar, Villains, and Why This Ship Works for First Timers
Disney Cruise Line has a brand-new ship — and the Disney Destiny is already making waves.
In this week’s episode of One Slice at a Time, Ryan and Stephanie break down what makes the Destiny special, what it shares with the Wish and Treasure, and why it might be the perfect ship if you want Disney Cruise Line magic in a shorter sailing.
Disney Destiny: Quick Overview
The Disney Destiny sails primarily out of Fort Lauderdale, offering a mix of 3, 4, and 5-night itineraries. If you’ve been curious about Disney Cruise Line but didn’t want to commit to a full week, this ship is an incredible way to try it without the time (or budget) commitment of a longer itinerary.
And here’s the key:
This ship doesn’t feel like a “sampler.” It feels like a full experience — just faster.
Familiar Layout (Wish Fans Will Recognize This Immediately)
If you’ve sailed the Disney Wish (or have been watching ship tours online), you’ll notice the Destiny’s layout feels familiar — especially in the Grand Hall area. Disney kept what works and built a new theme around it.
The Theme Shift: From Royal to Heroic (and Villain-Filled)
Where the Wish has a more classic “royal” feel, the Destiny leans into something bolder. The ship’s Grand Hall features Black Panther as the signature statue, and the villain presence across the ship is real.
And yes… some of these villain meet-and-greets have lines that feel endless.
The Haunted Mansion Bar (More Than a Drink Stop)
One of the most talked-about spaces on the ship is the Haunted Mansion bar, and it’s easy to see why. It’s immersive, packed with details, and honestly feels like a small attraction instead of “just a lounge.”
Pro tip from Ryan: Give yourself about 45 minutes inside.
The experience shifts over time — the music changes, you’ll notice details you missed at first, and the vibe is part of the fun.
Bonus: there are secret menu elements built into the ordering experience.
Cruella’s Lounge: Dramatic, Stylish, and Always Packed
Just down the hall, Cruella’s bar brings a completely different energy. It’s bold and fashionable… and you’ll either show up dressed for it or immediately accept defeat. 😅
Ryan’s advice: these spaces hit “at capacity” often, so timing matters. If you want to get in, use a little strategy: go early, go at opening, or go during a big show when crowds are elsewhere.
The Hercules Show: A Surprise Standout
Even if Hercules wasn’t a core childhood movie for you, this stage show delivers. Ryan was surprised by the energy, staging, soundtrack — and how much heart it had.
That’s when you know it’s not just nostalgia doing the heavy lifting.
Haunted Mansion Scavenger Hunt (MagicBand Interactive Fun)
If you love interactive experiences, the Destiny delivers again with a Haunted Mansion themed activity that works like a scavenger hunt. Using your MagicBand, you’ll explore the ship, uncover ghosts, and pick up clues as you go.
Best part: you don’t have to do it all at once. It’s perfect for short sailings because you can work on it in small chunks.
Aquamouse Strategy: The “Island Day” Hack
One of our favorite tips: use island days wisely. Many guests assume the ship empties out and they have to stay off-board all day — but that’s not always true.
If you come back early (or skip the island for a bit), you can ride the Aquamouse with shorter lines.
Dining Tip: Don’t Skip Rotational Dining Too Soon
Ryan and Stephanie talk about something we see a lot: people booking specialty dining too early.
Yes, places like Enchanté can be incredible — but if it’s your first Disney cruise (or your first time on that ship), you might want to stick with rotational dining first. It’s a huge part of the Disney Cruise Line experience.
Is Disney Destiny Worth It?
If you want a cruise that feels like an experience — not just transportation between ports — the Destiny delivers.
It’s a great fit for:
✅ first-time Disney Cruise Line guests
✅ Haunted Mansion fans
✅ villain lovers
✅ travelers who want short sailings that still feel high-end
✅ anyone who wants Disney-level entertainment and design in a quicker trip
Want Us to Help You Plan Your Disney Cruise?
Ryan and Stephanie are professional travel advisors and we help families plan Disney Cruise Line vacations that actually feel fun — not overwhelming. Contact us!
