Disney Cruise Line officially welcomed Disney Destiny to its fleet on Monday night with a christening celebration featuring the magic of a drone show, live music, and plenty of special fanfare.
Godmother Susan Egan, who first played Belle in Broadway’s “Beauty and the Beast” and provided the voice of Megara in “Hercules,” was instrumental in the official launch of the company’s third Wish-class ship and the cruise line’s seventh overall in Port Everglades.
Although there was no actual champagne at the ceremony, a large bottle of bubbly was projected onto the side of Destiny and popped out at the exact moment Egan named the 144,000-ton ship, which can accommodate 4,000 passengers.
“I am so happy to be here with you all on such a wonderful night,” she said. “I name you Disney Destiny. God bless this ship and all who sail on it.”
Until that moment, the ship’s port side had served as a screen onto which choreographed footage set to music and an overhead drone were projected, taking the form of Disney characters and sayings in a 15-minute spectacle. The show featured a musical medley with references to “The Lion King,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Hercules” and “101 Dalmatians.”
The ceremony also featured remarks from Joe Schott, president of Disney Signature Experiences, and Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences.
“The Disney Cruise Line team and Imagineers have brought years of expertise, creativity and dedication to this beautiful ship and created something truly remarkable,” said Scott. “The Disney Destiny Heroes and Villains theme celebrates the legendary characters who have inspired generations of fans to dream bigger and go further.”
On board, guests will experience a theme of heroes and villains throughout the ship. The Grand Hall will host the “Sounds of Wakanda” music festival and two traveling storytellers, Xayah and Gamble, who will tell the stories of classic Disney villains.
The same duo will host a variety of experiences throughout each voyage, including the adults-only “With Great Power: Marvel Comedy Show.” Other themed areas are aimed at cruisers of drinking age, including De Ville’s Piano Lounge, Haunted Mansion Parlor, Rose Cocktail Lounge, and The Sanctum, which serves mysterious drinks inspired by Doctor Strange.
“Disney Hercules” brings the larger-than-life character to a live musical stage show exclusive to Disney Destiny. A new twist on the familiar story of Anna, Elsa and Olaf, Frozen: A Musical Spectacular is fun for guests of all ages. “DisneySea: The Adventure” stars popular characters from Disney and Pixar in original productions.
Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King offers a musical dining experience with themed dishes celebrating Simba’s journey to becoming king, with one of the main dining areas being Marvel-themed.
The Incredibles will be featured in the ship’s art and theme at Edna a la Mode Sweets, which serves gelato, cupcakes, macarons and more. The Toy Story theme will play in the Deck 12 splash zone.
Like other Wish-class ships, Destiny also features Aquamouth, a water coaster and raft slide on the upper deck.
All of this combines to represent the type of themed entertainment and experiences that Disney is known for.
“For more than 100 years, Disney has entertained fans in new and innovative ways and connected them to the stories they love, and Disney Cruise Line is a strong part of that tradition,” D’Amaro said. “Our ships have become brand ambassadors, traveling the world and bringing joy to guests in a way only Disney can.”
Find @PConnPie on Instagram or email pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com. Stay up to date on travel, arts and events by subscribing to our newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.
