Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, Disney Destiny, may be known for its heroes and villains theme, but where it really shines is in entertainment. From seeing Disney Hercules in the Walt Disney Theater to experiencing close-up magic with Dr. Facilier, there’s something around every corner of the ship.
After spending three days onboard, learning about all the new spaces, dining options, and entertainment offerings, I can confidently say that Disney Destiny features some of the most immersive and creative entertainment at sea. In fact, there was so much to do onboard that I couldn’t do it all, even though I was waking up at 6:30 a.m. and going to bed well after midnight.
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If you’re planning to sail on the Disney Destiny, which makes her official maiden voyage on November 20, 2025, followed by an inaugural season of four- and five-night sailings from Port Everglades, Florida, you’re going to want to keep reading our breakdown of the entertainment spread across the ship.
Entertainment inside the Walt Disney Theater
If you ask any Disney Cruise Line fan, you’ll quickly learn that the Walt Disney Theater is the crown jewel of entertainment spaces on any Disney cruise ship. That’s no different on the Disney Destiny, where you’ll see three different shows inside the theater. The first two, Disney Seas the Adventure and Frozen, A Musical Spectacular, are also featured on other Disney ships.
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However, the one show that’s new and exclusive to Disney Destiny is Disney Hercules. The Broadway-style show is a modern retelling of the classic zero-to-hero tale, complete with over-the-top musical numbers, a stellar cast, larger-than-life puppets, and more. My favorite part of the show was the “Zero to Hero” number, where Hercules becomes a sort of rock star persona, complete with incredible vocals from the band of Muses. And without giving too much away, the towering Titan battle is also visually impressive. At the end of the show, I was on my feet dancing my way out of the theater.
Encountering Disney villains in new ways
Since the Disney Destiny is heroes and villains themed, it should come as no surprise that you can encounter some of your favorite Disney villains in new ways onboard. Many of the big villain events take place in the Grand Hall, which is themed to Marvel’s Black Panther. There’s even a statue of King T’Challa near the grand staircase. Just know that none of these encounters are truly scary and are family-friendly for those traveling with littles.
Loki
On night one, don’t miss The Legend of Loki, where the onboard storytellers, Zayah and Gamble (who are always bopping around the ship in search of their next great adventure), share the lore behind the gods of Asgard. Of course, Loki shows up and gives his own version of the tale, all while plotting a way to take over the ship as king. Throughout the sailing, there are other opportunities to see and interact with Loki. And it all culminates in Celebration of a King, which is meant to be a tribute to King T’Challa, but Loki crashes the party.
Maleficent
My favorite Disney villain is Maleficent, and getting to see her in Under Her Spell: A Maleficent Encounter was a real treat. This up-close character encounter takes place in Saga. During the show, Maleficent will call upon guests to help her do her bidding, but everyone will have the opportunity to meet her once the show is complete.
Cruella
There are also two chances to see Cruella De Vil. The first is Wretched Runway: A Cruella Fashion Show, which takes place in the Grand Hall. This makeshift fashion show features real guests who want to strut their stuff down the runway, preferably donned in a fun outfit.
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And just past the Grand Hall, you’ll find De Vil’s piano lounge. Here, martinis are served with a side of spots. Every so often, Cruella will barge into the lounge for some musical musings. Just know De Vil’s is very small and gets busy quickly. If you want to make the most of your time inside, try to arrive right when the bar opens (times are always listed on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app).
Dr. Facilier
Even though my favorite villain is Maleficent, the best character encounter I had was stepping into Dr. Facilier’s Parlor. This small room just outside of Saga is where you’ll find the Shadow Man himself from the animated hit, The Princess and the Frog. I don’t want to give too much away, but I promise you’ll want to wait around to be welcomed into the charmer’s charming corner.
Just know that if you or your kids aren’t into these interactive meet and greets, there are plenty of opportunities to meet your favorite characters around the ship in a more traditional snap a photo and move on kind of way.
Other entertainment around the ship
All over Disney Destiny, you’ll find a variety of entertainment, including trivia, game shows, deck parties, and more. The big kick-off to the cruise is the sail-away deck party near the family pools and Funnel Vision. This is a great chance to see some Disney characters, dance under the sun, and enjoy family time before everyone goes their separate ways during the cruise.
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And of course you won’t want to skip Pirate Night. The entire ship gets a swashbuckling makeover, and the night ends with fireworks at sea. On Pirate Night, you’ll also get the chance to meet Mickey Mouse and the gang in their pirate outfits, along with a few other famous pirates like Captain Jack Sparrow and Captain Hook.
As the sun sets, keep an eye on the Disney Cruise Line app for With Great Power: A Marvel Comedy Show. This adults-only show brings together zany antics, curious props, and a whole lot of fun to the stage inside Saga. Additionally, a little pre-show with a powerhouse of a singer is a must-see. This show, like its Indiana Jones-themed sister on the Disney Treasure, is very popular and only shown once per sailing. I arrived 45 minutes early, and Saga was full shortly after. There’s also an exclusive cocktail menu served in Saga for the show if you’re into that type of thing (hint, I definitely am).
