When three Macaroni KID publishers and their families were invited aboard for the inaugural sail of the all-new Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, they all thought they knew what to expect from a cruise.
They did not.
"This was our best vacation EVER," Macaroni KID Madison publisher Aaron Seligman’s daughter said during their final breakfast — a moment equal parts adorable and heartbreaking because no one on board wanted the trip to end.
Publishers and their families were hosted for the purposes of this review.
Click here to read this article in Spanish.
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From amazing views to meeting favorite characters, the new Disney Destiny was an experience to remember for Aaron's girls.
Meanwhile, in another part of the ship, Macaroni KID Modesto publisher Xochitl Loza’s son was being greeted by name by Cast Members who did a remarkable job making him feel special and connected.
That’s the vibe on the Destiny: Personal, magical, bigger-than-expected, and full of “wait… did that really just happen?” moments.
If you’re even thinking about a Disney cruise, here’s an inside look at why families are already obsessed with this brand-new ship — and why you’ll want to book sooner rather than later.
Get a first look inside the Disney Destiny!
Dreaming of your own Disney cruise? Learn more about the Disney Destiny — and then enter for a chance to win a Disney cruise for your family!
A Ship That Feels Like Stepping Into a Story
The Destiny is built around a bold heroes-and-villains theme, but you don’t need a comic book fan in the family to feel the magic. Everywhere you turn, tiny details pull you in:
- Murals and hidden symbols
- Themed elevators
- Characters who don’t just wave — they connect
- Surprises tucked into corners
"From murals of classic Disney scenes to themed elevators, every space felt like part of the story." — Aaron
And before you even make it to your stateroom, Disney’s signature hospitality kicks in: Warm greetings, personalized service, and staff who seem to appear exactly when you need something.
Your vacation starts the second you step on board.
Kids’ Spaces That Make Grownups Jealous
Get an inside view of the Oceaneer Club:
If your kids disappear into the Oceaneer Club, don’t panic — it’s normal.
Our Macaroni KID families agreed that Destiny’s kids’ areas are next-level, but not just because of the activities. It’s the connection.
"Our son's face lit up every time we dropped him off at the Oceaneer Club, especially when the Cast Members greeted him with a cheerful 'Hello, Diego!' never forgetting his name. As a parent, that level of care made all the difference." — Xochitl
Inside the Oceaneer Club, kids ages 3-10 can:
- Design a roller coaster (and then ride it in a simulator!)
- Build lightsabers
- Bake in Mickey & Minnie’s kitchen
- Explore Star Wars–inspired spaces
- Get lost in hero-and-villain story worlds
And then there’s Hero Zone, which Aaron calls a “don’t skip this” surprise — a mashup of obstacle course, interactive games, and wide-open fun.
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Aaron and his daughter with their lightsabers.
Meanwhile, tweens and teens score legitimately cool spaces:
- Edge (NYC loft vibes + giant ocean views)
- Vibe (Paris loft + neon + instant hangout space)
These spaces don’t feel like the standard “cruise ship kids’ areas.” They feel like places older kids actually want to be, said Jamie, who brought her twin 15-year-olds aboard the ship.
"My kids loved the teen spaces aboard Disney Destiny, from making new friends in Vibe to singing karaoke at Triton Lounge and playing (and winning!) trivia at Saga. They even played basketball and ping pong in Hero Zone. I couldn't believe how much there was just for them to do." — Jamie
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Jamie's 15-year-old winning at trivia onboard the Disney Destiny!
Dining ... that Doubles as Entertainment
If your family values food, Destiny delivers. If your family values entertainment, Destiny also delivers. If your family values BOTH happening at the same time? Destiny practically shows off. Some of our publisher's favorite dining experiences:
⭐ Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King
Jamie's family has been talking about this since they left the ship.
"It’s an experience from the moment you walk in. Themed food and drinks inspired by Africa and Storytellers bringing the Lion King story to life through song and dance. A one-of-a-kind experience we’ll always remember." — Jamie
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Aaron's daughter thought the sundae was the best part of the 1923 meal. The adults were wowed by the sophisticated, beautifully-plated dishes.
⭐ 1923
1923 is a stunning, elegant space lined with Disney history. Kids stay busy spotting sketches and props while adults enjoy beautifully plated dishes.
⭐ Quick bites the kids inhaled
- Donald’s Cantina (“life-changing tacos”)
- Mickey's Smokestack Barbeque (get the brisket!)
- Edna A La Mode Sweets (creative gelato + Incredibles themed treats)
- Sweet Treats Ice Cream Bar (classics - Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla, and tropical varieties too!)
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More ice cream? It's always an easy yes on the Disney Destiny!
⭐ And yes, parents get amazing spaces too
The Sanctum (Doctor Strange–inspired cocktails), Cask & Cannon (Pirates of the Caribbean themed pub), and the Haunted Mansion Parlor (spooky-in-the-best-way) are perfect grown-up escapes. Because mom and dad need Disney magic too.
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Jamie and her husband enjoying some cocktails and alone time. Explore the full lineup of dining, entertainment, and experiences aboard the Disney Destiny.
Entertainment That Makes You Forget You’re on a Ship
All three families agreed: the Disney Destiny’s entertainment is next-level. The ship-exclusive Hercules show is a standout — incredible vocals, stunning costumes, clever puppetry, and appearances from Hercules, Megara, Hades, and the Muses that left everyone cheering.
"Jaw-dropping shows — costumes, sets, and performances that rival big-city theaters." — Aaron
Meanwhile, the kids were equally stunned by Frozen, especially the costume transitions that left them whispering, “How did they DO that?”
And then there’s Pirate Night — a deck party with characters, rock concerts, and full-on fireworks over the ocean.
Aaron's kids had never seen Pirates of the Caribbean. It didn’t matter. The kids had the time of their lives.
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Aaron's kids partying it up with grandpa and dad on Pirate Night!
Hear one-on-one interviews with amazing talent:
• Marvel artist Nikkolas Smith
• Minnie Mouse voice actress Kaitlyn Robrock
Castaway Cay: A Beach Day That Feels Like Magic
Disney’s private island is already legendary, but seeing it through the eyes of families on the Destiny makes it sound even better.
"The moment you step onto the island, the first thing you notice is the water. It is unbelievably blue and crystal clear, the kind of water you usually only see in photos." — Xochitl
Our Macaroni KID families spent the day:
- Snorkeling and scuba diving among sunken surprises
- Biking trails
- Finding fish (and a giant stingray!)
- Playing in shallow, gentle waves
- Relaxing in hammocks
- Eating, swimming, and exploring
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Aaron's girls getting ready to explore underwater.
But Xochitl said the secret weapon on Castaway Cay is Scuttle’s Cove — a supervised kids’ area where children can hang with the friends they made on the ship.
"This option made our time at Castaway Cay even more enjoyable and stress-free." — Xochitl
Don’t miss your chance — the Disney Destiny is already becoming a fan favorite. Find out how to book before sailings fill up. Plus: Our Disney Cruise Giveaway is live now — enter here now!
So, Should Families Book the Disney Destiny?
Short answer? Yes. Book it. Go. Have the time of your life.
"This cruise was pure magic — and worth every moment." — Aaron
Longer answer? All three families said the Disney Destiny felt different from other vacations in all the right ways:
- The service
- The connection
- The thoughtful touches
- The entertainment
- The ease
- The magic
- The moments that made their kids’ faces light up
Get more inside views of the all-new Disney Destiny:
"Being among the first guests on Disney Destiny was an experience we’ll never forget." — Xochitl
If you’re considering a Disney cruise — or even if you’ve never cruised at all — the Disney Destiny is already shaping up to be one of Disney’s most unforgettable ships for families.
And based on the first families onboard? You’ll want to get on it before everyone else figures that out.
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A giant thank you from our group of hosted publishers and families to the amazing crew of Disney Destiny for a trip full of memories that will last a lifetime!
If this article made you want to pack your bags… imagine actually winning a Disney cruise. Don’t miss your chance — enter the giveaway now!
No purchase necessary to enter. Entry period closes Dec. 13, 2025. See complete rules.
