So, Disney’s at it again. Always pushing boundaries, always finding new ways to get you to feel a part of their stories. This time, it’s with the brand-new Disney Destiny cruise ship, the seventh vessel in their fleet, themed entirely around ‘Heroes & Villains.’ And they’re touting it as ‘storytelling at its finest.’ But here’s the thing: when you invite villains to the party, sometimes things get a little… too real.
They call them ‘meet-and-play’ moments, and they’re designed to immerse you. Take Dr. Facilier’s Parlor, for instance. This isn’t your typical wave-and-smile character greeting. We’re talking about an intimate room, just 12 people, playing a ‘dangerous game of cards’ with the Shadow Man himself. No photos, no videos allowed. Why the secrecy? One reviewer even admitted to feeling a ‘tinge of fear’ being in the same room. Disney’s own Creative Director, Jen Bascom, straight up said, ‘Villains are not huggable, and that is awesome.’ Well, ‘awesome’ for some, maybe. For others, a dangerous game of cards with a voodoo villain might leave you feeling a bit, shall we say, spiritually rattled.
It’s not just Facilier, either. You’ve got Loki taking over the Grand Hall, bathing everything in an eerie green light. Cruella de Vil storming into her own lounge, demanding new songs. This isn’t passive entertainment; it’s designed to pull you in. While some might find this exhilarating – a true escape from reality – it raises questions about how much ‘reality’ we actually want from our escape. It’s a bold move, blurring the lines between fiction and actual interaction, especially when the characters are, by design, not ‘huggable.’
Now, it’s not all shadowy dealings and existential dread. There are some undeniably impressive elements here. The Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King dining experience, for example, is a genuine highlight. It’s a celebration of African culture, with authentic African-inspired dishes. We’re talking Berbere Spiced Roasted Chicken and tomato and pepper rice based on a chef’s childhood favorites. It’s a fantastic way to broaden your culinary horizons, complete with live performances and South African influences. Although, depending on where you sit, your view of the show might be obstructed, which is a small but notable drawback.
Then there’s the Broadway-style Hercules show. It’s a fresh take, breaking new ground with a Black actor in the lead role and male Muses. It’s powerful, inspiring, and clearly resonated with audiences, making everyone want to dance and sing along. And let’s not forget returning favorites like The Haunted Mansion Parlor, which is still a masterclass in immersive theming with its ghost fish and Madame Leota, a true extension of the beloved park attraction. The Pirates of the Caribbean-themed Cask & Cannon lounge also offers a treasure trove of homages and Easter eggs for fans, with Jack Sparrow himself occasionally making an appearance.
Ultimately, the Disney Destiny represents Disney pushing its storytelling capabilities to a new level. They aren’t just inviting you to step into a story; they’re telling you that you *are* the story. And for many, this intense immersion will be exactly what they’re looking for. But when the villains get *too* good at their job, you might just find yourself wondering if you truly want to be the star of *that* particular story.