The new Disney Destiny cruise ship is making waves, not just with its size, but with a rather interesting decision regarding its aquatic amenities. Forget those traditional, sprawling main pools you’ve come to expect on a Disney ship. The Destiny has opted for a different approach entirely: a veritable smorgasbord of smaller, scattered pools and water play areas across its upper decks. And it’s raising a few eyebrows.
We’re talking ten different pools and water zones here, folks. Ten. Instead of one grand communal aquatic hub, the designers decided to spread the love, or perhaps, spread the confusion. On one hand, you could say it’s a brilliant way to de-densify the crowds. No more fighting for a square foot of water in one massive pool. But then, you have to ask yourself: is this truly better? Or does it just mean parents are now playing a high-stakes game of hide-and-seek with their children across multiple decks?
Consider the logistics. You’ve got Mickey’s Pool, built right into a stage on Deck 11, which gets covered up for dance parties. Then there’s Minnie’s Pool, across the deck, also covered to make more standing room. Already, you’re dealing with disappearing water features. Move up or aft, and you find Daisy’s, Pluto’s, Donald’s, Goofy’s, and Chip ‘n Dale’s Pools, all seemingly tucked away in various nooks and crannies. It’s like a scavenger hunt just to find a spot to dip your toes.
Now, for some, this might be a welcome change. More intimate spaces, less of a sprawling, overwhelming scene. But for families with multiple kids, each wanting a different experience, this could very well lead to what some are calling “decision fatigue” before they even get wet. Imagine trying to keep track of a five-year-old in the Toy Story Splash Zone while an older child is demanding to ride Slide-a-saurus Rex and a teenager wants to check out the AquaMouse. It’s a logistical challenge designed for only the most organized of vacationers.
Speaking of the Toy Story Splash Zone, it’s a wonderland for the little ones, up to six years old. It’s got those oversized rubber bath toy characters, small slides, and delightful water features. Even a Pizza Planet-inspired slide next to an Alien “rubber duck.” Sounds fantastic, right? But here’s the catch: no lifeguard on duty. Adult supervision is required at all times. So, while the kids are having a blast, you’re still very much “on the clock,” perhaps more so, given the scattered nature of the fun.
Then there’s the Slide-a-saurus Rex. It’s a reference to a Toy Story short, which is a nice touch. It has a 38-inch height requirement, but thankfully, no height maximum, so adults can join in. That’s a definite plus for family bonding. And let’s not forget the AquaMouse, the water coaster that zips guests around Deck 13. It offers a unique thrill at sea, giving those adults in the Quiet Cove Pool (yes, there’s an adults-only haven) a glimpse of the action as riders pass by.
Ah, the Quiet Cove Pool. This is where the adults can truly escape the potential chaos. Located on Deck 13, Aft, with its own whirlpool and prime seating for ocean views, it offers a much-needed respite. So, while the family areas might feel a bit fragmented, at least the adults have a dedicated zone for serenity, positioned perfectly against the bow of the ship.
In essence, the Disney Destiny presents a different kind of cruise experience when it comes to water play. It trades the grandeur of a singular main pool for a mosaic of smaller, themed areas. Is it a stroke of genius, offering diverse options and reducing crowding? Or is it a strategic misstep that complicates family fun and adds unnecessary layers of navigation? The facts are there. You decide if this new aquatic ambition is a splash hit or if it leaves you longing for the simplicity of one big pool.