Four Nights on the Disney Destiny: Embarkation Day
Departure from Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Because we booked our cruise after most guests had already checked in online booked their port arrival time, we got a later than preferred 1pm window to board the ship. However, The Disney Destiny was the only ship departing from the port that day, so we were on the ship in less than 1/2 hour. We grabbed quick service lunch at the kiosks of the Mickey & Friends Festival of Foods and relaxed at the pool until we received notification that our room was ready at 1:30pm.
The thing that sets the Disney Destiny apart from the other ships is the Villains and Heroes theming. Marvel plays a HUGE role in the design of the Destiny, staring with Spiderman sculpture on the stern of the ship and carrying to the central Atrium, subtly themed for the high-tech capabilities of Wakanda and with a Black Panther statue as the central focal point.
Getting to know the Disney Destiny- Open Houses & The Disney Navigator App
The Disney Navigator App guided our cruise itinerary from the moment we boarded the ship. We could filter activities, so we would save adults only activities at the same times as our daughter saved activities she wanted to attend in Vibe. We checked her into the pre-teen Edge Club and stopped by the Vibe club during the open house.
Kids’ Clubs Open Houses
Disney Ships provide free child care for ages 3+ in the Oceaneer Club for children, Edge Club for preteens and Vibe Club for teenagers.
(Tip: if you are registering kids for the Oceaneer Club, wait until after the open house period. The line was extremely long, and there’s no need to complete the process until you can drop them off after the open house periods have ended.)
I somehow missed the Open House sessions throughout the cruise that allowed Adults and older kids to enjoy the Oceaneer Club with younger children, so I don’t have any photos inside. It is very similar to the spaces found on the Disney Wish, so you can check out that Blog to learn more. After being registered, kids are dropped off either by the desk on the second deck or the slide that starts in the Atrium of the third deck. There are options for both free play and guided activities while kids are monitored by the Crew that specialize in these programs.
Senses Spa & the Rainforest Room
The Senses Spa is found on all of the Disney ships, but they vary a bit in layout and amenities. The Rainforest room is available as a full-day pass or as a single-day pass. The spa is open to tour on embarkation day, or guests could ask to see the Rainforest Room later to decide if it was worth adding to the trip. On embarkation day the Senses Spa also staff hosted a raffle giveaway for spa gift certificates. Even if you don’t win, they do give coupons for heavily discounted “manager’s specials” if you can book a treatment on embarkation day.
All passengers are required to check-in at the same time at their designated emergency evacuation point. There we were given instructions on what to do in case of an emergency; video instructions also play in the staterooms on embarkation day. Kids (and grown-ups) that may be new to cruising or nervous about being at sea may find the detailed info in the video to be helpful.
At 4 pm we returned to the 12th deck for the Sail Away party. A classic show for all ages starring cruise-wear clad Disney characters, this event invites everyone on deck to dance along as the ship sails out of the port.
Our Room on the Disney Destiny
Most rooms on Disney Cruise ships range from Family Staterooms that accommodate 3-4 people to Deluxe Family Staterooms that accommodate up to 5 people. Concierge level rooms include additional perks, including a dedicated lounge and hosts, expedited arrival services, a private deck area, and more. Non-concerige rooms have different categories based on the view (Inside, Ocean View, and Verandah.)
We booked a discounted “Guaranteed” rate for a Deluxe Family Verandah Stateroom, meaning we would have a room in that category but were not able to choose the location. We learned that our room was on Deck 6 about two weeks before our departure. I loved the Hercules theme and that the location was right above the Edge club and most dining and entertainment venues. For our single bed there were three options: a pull-down bunk bed, a convertible couch, and a Murphy bed next to the balcony entrance.
Theming on the Disney Destiny- Heroes vs. Villains
After the sail-away party we gathered in the Atrium for the first major story setting event. Here, we were introduced to Zayah (a storyteller) and Gamble (a potion-maker) who set the stage for many activities throughout the ship. Zayah and Gamble popped up in unexpected places throughout the sailing, including as the hosts for the highly popular “Treble-Making with Cruella” at DeVil’s piano lounge.
One of my favorite parts of this cruise was the way technology was used to set the scene for the overall story. Without giving too much away, the color and sounds changed to match the vibe of the Hero or Villain who was in charge of the ship at the time.
After the opening show in the Disney Theater, we had pre-dinner drinks at the Haunted Mansion Parlor. There were lots of easter eggs for fans of the ride and special effects.
Tip: Check the Navigator App for upcoming photo shoots in the Haunted Mansion Parlor for a closer look at the decor.
We booked the Photo Package for our full sailing. Each night in the lobby they offer up to six stations for photos, often themed for that evening’s activities and including creative “Magic Shots.” Embarkation day usually includes backdrops with the ship’s exterior.
Rotational Dining on Disney Cruise Line
Like other ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, rotational dining offers families a chance to experience each of the three table-service dining experiences at least one time. Dinner our first night was at 1923, the more upscale of the three restaurants, with Disney movie memorabilia filling cases around the dining room.
Evenings on the Disney Destiny
After dinner, each night is a “choose your own adventure.” The Room Attendant will turn down your room while you visit lounges, join any of the activities on the Navigator App, meet characters, or look for planets and stars from an outside deck.
Read more Blogs about Disney Cruise Line-
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