While Disney is known for its heroes, there's something so irresistible about a dastardly villain
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While I love a Disney princess—especially the 21st-century ones who are plucky and possess the innate power to save themselves—there’s just something so relatable about the studio’s cast of villains. After all, in real life, who hasn’t felt the sting of romantic rejection, pangs of sibling rivalry or jealousy over someone else’s talents and skills? That humanity is part of what makes Disney villains so appealing and popular. But beyond that, let’s be honest—those baddies are also a lot of fun and always have the best lines. Now, Disney is moving to capitalize on villains’ vast fandom at Disney World, including by introducing a new Unfairly Ever After show at Hollywood Studios and developing a villains-themed land at Magic Kingdom, which is scheduled to open by 2030.
Another way Disney is “villainizing” its properties and experiences is with the new Disney Destiny cruise ship, billed as the place “where magic meets mischief.” My family and I sailed on the three-night press preview cruise in mid-November out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and are hooked on the dark side of Disney. Read on to learn my favorite Disney villain encounters and cruise features—and why the Destiny is a wickedly good option for your next vacation.
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Sailing on the Disney Destiny
Before I launch into our adventures, it helps to understand the ship. The seventh ship from Disney Cruise Line is part of the newer Wish class of ships, and anyone who has sailed on Wish or Treasure will find Destiny‘s layout familiar. It has the same number of staterooms (1,256) and decks (15); many of the same theme restaurants, including 1923 and Worlds of Marvel; a Haunted Mansion Parlor; and an Oceaneer’s Club (aka the best kids club at sea). Unlike those two ships, Destiny is visually split in two (decor-wise) with a Villains side (forward) and a Heroes side (aft).
Destiny sails out of Port Everglades on four- and five-night cruises to its private island in the Bahamas and makes ports of call in the Western Caribbean.
Meeting Maleficent
Our first villain encounter with the evil fairy from Sleeping Beauty occurred when we stepped into the elevator on the villain’s side of the ship on the way to our cabin on deck 10. There she was in all her dragon glory, depicted on a mural that took up one side of the elevator. The mural on the opposite side shows the Evil Queen from Snow White, Ursula from The Little Mermaid and others, but it’s clear who the true diva is here. Maleficent is the only one who earned a solo depiction.
Then, when the elevators opened onto our deck, we saw a Maleficent design in the carpet. She was once again shown as a fierce, angry dragon in plum hues with electric green edging. It’s a stunning welcome from the baddest baddie of them all that lets cruisers know this isn’t your typical Disney cruise ship.
Even with all that adoring decor, I still wasn’t prepared for the Maleficent experience, which included meeting the evil fairy herself. (For those traveling with young children, don’t worry—the encounter takes place in the Saga theater, so there’s no chance you’ll accidentally stumble on her with your family and scar your child for life.)
The theater has been transformed into a creepy dungeon with mood lighting, eerie fog and foreboding claps of thunder. There, in the middle, stands the mistress of the Forbidden Mountain herself, in full regalia, complete with her scepter and its magical, glowing green orb. After greeting the audience—and scaring us all silly with her tales of evil sorcery—fans are invited to step onto the stage for a one-on-one photo session. Most impressively, the cast member playing Maleficent took the time to meet everyone in the theater and did not break character once during the 45-minute show. She does not sign autographs, so leave the books and pens in your cabin.
When it was my turn for the meet and play, I cheekily asked Maleficent what skin-care products she uses. (Her skin is flawless, and don’t get me started on those cheekbones!) She responded she doesn’t need skin care, as she has magic at her fingertips. That’s a missed opportunity for branding, if you ask me!
Lounging with Cruella de Vil
Another infamous villain who gets ample real estate on Disney Destiny is Cruella de Vil, villain of 101 Dalmatians. Love her or hate her, it’s hard not to be charmed by de Vil’s luxe lounge, inspired by the stylish fiend. The centerpiece is a white grand piano with black spots surrounded by plush red velvet loungers. Though it’s très chic, singing along when the piano player tickles the ivories is highly encouraged.
The themed cocktail menu would make the wicked fashionista proud. It features bespoke beverages, including Perfectly Wretched, a vodka-elderflower concoction served with a side of lipstick, face powder and perfume, and Darling, a fresh take on a traditional cosmopolitan.
You can also meet Cruella herself during “Wretched Runway: A Cruella Fashion Show.” Those brave enough to meet—and be judged—by Cruella can attend the experience. (It’s in a small room off the Grand Hall, so once again, no unsuspecting children will happen across a villain.)
When we met Ms. de Vil, my daughter sported a Disney-brand dress from the 2021 Cruella collection, which naturally delighted the villain and earned my daughter heaps of praise. She was even complimentary to me, in a black-and-white floral dress, noting that I tried, even if I didn’t quite nail one of her high-fashion looks.
Making magic with Dr. Facilier
Sadly, we missed our chance to visit The Princess and the Frog’s Dr. Facilier in his parlor, hidden in the Disney Studio on Deck 5. As you might expect from the Crescent City Shadow Man, his parlor is bedecked in red velvet and lit with antique-inspired black lamps. Visitors are treated to card tricks and other sleights of hand.
Hanging with Hades
One of the highlights of Disney Destiny is the original Broadway-caliber stage adaptation of its animated movie Hercules, starring—who else?—the villianiest villain of them all, Hades, who is locked in an eternal struggle with his brother Zeus, king of the gods. The Greek god of the underworld makes his first jaw-dropping entrance wearing a flowing navy blue robe and with his hair styled as if it were a blue flame. What makes the moment so spectacular is that Hades seemingly floats across the stage. My family guessed he was on a hoverboard—however he did it, it was a moment of pure Disney magic.
While there are no chances to meet Hades in person, the musical features all the deities and monsters from the animated movie, including the Fates, Pain and Panic and a multi-headed hydra. Of course, there’s the love story of Hercules and Meg, central to the plot, and an adorably goofy Pegasus too.
Heading off to bed with Kiss Goodnightmare
While Disney cruise ships are famous for their “Kiss Goodnight,” a nightly midnight light show themed to the character statue in the Grand Hall (on Destiny, that’s Black Panther), the Destiny also has a “Kiss Goodnightmare” show. While it wasn’t up and running yet on our preview cruise, it promises to have surprise villain appearances. Guess we’ll just have to book a future sailing to find out who shows up!
To book your sailing and for more info, visit disneycruise.disney.go.com.
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