Is the Disney Destiny Worth It? A Firsthand Review of Disney’s Newest Cruise Ship

Key Takeaways

The Disney Destiny is docked at Lookout Cay, Disney's new private island getaway at Lighthouse Point, Bahamas.

• Wondering if Disney’s newest ship lives up to the hype?

• Curious how Disney Destiny compares to other Disney Cruise Line ships?

• Want to know if it’s right for first-time cruisers and seasoned Disney fans?

This firsthand review breaks it all down—without the fluff.

Is the Disney Destiny Worth It?

Enjoying her time on the Disney Destiny, Kim takes a photo in front of the iconic Disney funnel, wearing Mickey Mouse ears and a big smile.

Short answer: yes—but for very specific reasons.

Disney Destiny isn’t just a newer version of an existing ship. It’s a shift toward deeper storytelling, more immersive entertainment, and thoughtful design choices that make a real difference for families.

If you’ve never cruised before, Destiny feels approachable and exciting. If you’ve cruised Disney before, it feels noticeably elevated.

What Makes the Disney Destiny Different?

The grand hall of the Disney Destiny, adorned with elegant Wakandan-themed decor, features a breathtaking Black Panther statue at its center.

1. Immersive Storytelling Everywhere

Cruella de Vil dramatically evaluates a contestant's ensemble at the vibrant fashion show, adding her signature flair to the event.

Disney Destiny leans heavily into heroes and villains, with spaces, entertainment, and pop-up moments designed to pull guests into the story.

• Interactive character moments in public spaces

• Themed lounges tied to Disney stories

• Entertainment that feels participatory, not passive

A major factor: the former Entertainment Director from Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser now oversees onboard entertainment—bringing that same immersive philosophy to sea.

2. Entertainment That Finishes Strong

The two primary, traveling storytellers, Zayah and Gamble are central characters in the ship's "Heroes and Villains" theme, interacting with guests in the Grand Hall and various locations to bring Disney stories to life through enchanted, villain-inspired trunks

Disney saved some of its biggest wow moments for Destiny:

• Broadway-style shows like Hercules (debuting at sea)

• Fan-favorite productions like Frozen and Marvel shows

• Live music, game shows, and character dance parties layered throughout the day

This isn’t “watch and leave.” It’s entertainment that becomes part of your cruise rhythm.

3. Designed for Families, Without Feeling Chaotic

The Incredi-Games inflatable obstacle course in the Hero Zone onboard Disney Destiny.

From stateroom layouts to dining flow, Destiny excels at balancing:

• Kid-friendly fun

• Adult-only spaces

• Easy logistics for families

This matters most on sea days—where Destiny truly shines.

👉 Want to know what a full sea day actually looks like? Read next: A Day at Sea on Disney Destiny.

Who Is Disney Destiny Best For?

Disney Destiny is ideal if you:

• Are cruising for the first time and want structure + flexibility

• Love Disney storytelling but don’t want a theme park at sea

• Have cruised Disney before and want something that feels new

If stateroom comfort and layout matter to you, that’s another big win.

👉 Not sure which room type fits your family best? Continue to Disney Destiny Staterooms Explained.

Final Verdict: Is Disney Destiny Worth It?

Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King on the Disney Destiny is one of the best dinner show performances on land or sea!

Disney Destiny delivers on:

• Immersion

• Entertainment

• Ease for families

• Value when you understand what’s included

The key is planning it well—from stateroom choice to dining and entertainment strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Disney Destiny cruise ship worth the money?

Yes. Disney Destiny is worth the cost for families who value entertainment, service, and everything being included upfront. Dining, shows, kids clubs, and activities are all part of the cruise fare, which reduces surprise expenses onboard.

Who should book the Disney Destiny?

Disney Destiny is best for families with kids, multigenerational groups, and Disney fans who want immersive storytelling without needing to plan every detail themselves.

How is Disney Destiny different from other Disney cruise ships?

Disney Destiny focuses on heroes-and-villains storytelling and interactive entertainment. The onboard experience feels more immersive and theatrical compared to older Disney ships.

Is Disney Destiny good for first-time cruisers?

Yes. Disney Destiny is one of the easiest cruise ships for first-time cruisers because schedules, dining rotations, and activities are clearly organized and easy to follow.

Still not sure which Disney ship or stateroom fits your family best?👉 Take my quiz: Which Disney Cruise Ship Is Right for Your Family?