After our last Disney cruise failed to make it to Castaway Cay, we decided to try again for the double-dip of Disney's private islands, this time aboard a new ship for us, the Disney Destiny. We decided at the last minute to drive down to Fort Lauderdale a day early, which unfortunately got us caught in a heavy rainstorm just north of the city and an almost calamitous accident as a car cut off a semi changing lanes right in front of us. We made it to our hotel safely and turned in for the night.
The next morning we drove to the port and found the Heron garage, which was different for us because we always sail Celebrity out of Port Everglades. Signage for bag drop was confusing as it is done inside the parking garage here. Getting into the terminal was disorganized as well. We came off the elevator and walked towards where people were waiting as an attendant closed off the walkway and sent us the other direction, which was also blocked off. Another attendant looked at our boarding sheet and let us through.
Check in was quick using the Platinum lane as was security but we had a while to wait as we were group 8 and they let all the Disney transfers on ahead of us, then jumped from group 3 to 4-8 in a bundle. We made our way through the line, skipping the photo and through the ears and onto the Destiny.
Unlike Celebrity, you cannot go to your room until 1:30 on Disney, so we had some time to kill. We did not like our dining rotation since it meant we would miss 1923 for Palo, so we went to change it. We had a rather rude maitre'd who said he would make the change and told us to open our phone and refresh. We told him nothing had changed and he said he had not changed it yet. Then he asked us to close the app and log back in. Then he said he would not make the change until after the drill. It was baffling why he asked us to refresh our phones if he wasn't going to make the change yet. We dislike that Disney doesn't tell you your dining rotation until you get to the port, but you have to book specialty dining early to get it so you don't know which restaurant you will end up missing. We would have booked Palo for Pirate Night if we had known the schedule and rotation.
We had a little time to explore the ship as we made our way down to lunch.
With our rotation change, we would not get to dine in the Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King restaurant for dinner, which was okay with us since we don't like the loud shows at dinner. It would be disappointing to miss the African-inspired menu, but we are traveling to Africa in a few weeks and we have Boma and Sana'a at Disney World to go to. Lunch was being served in the Lion King space, so we headed there. We had more confusion as the person leading us to our seat did not know the table layouts and had to ask twice to find the table number we were assigned. The food was good, but we laughed that the menu was identical to the one we had on the Fantasy for lunch the year previous.
By the time lunch was over, it was almost time for rooms to be ready so we headed up to the 7th floor landing. We got separated so when they removed the rope, J. R. followed the signs to the room. He had told Janie we were all the way aft, but we were actually all the way forward, so she didn't follow the signs and headed aft and had to come all the way back around. Our room was larger than most porthole rooms due to being up front, but there would not be much of a view, other than the ship's deck and bow. We got some nice Castaway Club gifts, which is one thing Disney does much better. Celebrity barely acknowledges your cruise status.
It was time for a drink, so we went to the Cask and Cannon, a pirate-themed bar on deck 5. Disney describes it as 'Discover your inner pirate at this eclectic yet cozy tavern, inspired by the beloved Pirates of the Caribbean attractions at Disney Parks around the world. Cask & Cannon is a one-of-a-kind pub, furnished with global treasures that were pillaged and pilfered by mischievous pirates from days gone by—creating a mood that brings out the spirit of adventure in everyone. Regale your pals with tales of your high-seas adventures, cheer and jeer during live televised sporting events, and indulge in light bites, snacks and vintage rums as well as a selection of 'bootlegged' brews, developed specially for the Cask & Cannon, and served—in true pirate style—straight from the barrel!
J. R. had to try the 'Dead Man Tell No Ales', which was a fruit-forward draft. Janie decided to release 'The Kraken', made with black spiced rum, cointreau, lime, orgeat and ginger.
We wandered up to the pool deck to check out the vibe and the adult spaces and get some sodas but it was extremely hot and we decided not to hang out very long. J. R. headed down to the room to get his baseball hat since the sun was giving him a headache and to unpack our suitcase while Janie found a spot to sit. We met up for the horrible muster drill. On Celebrity, you check in at your muster station and have a brief talk and go. On Disney, you stand in the heat for a half-hour waiting for them to show you how to put on a life vest.
We needed another drink after the muster drill so we went downstairs to deck 3. The Haunted Mansion Parlor was not open but we snuck in and took a few pictures before settling at the Sanctum bar to wait for it to reopen after the muster drill. The Sanctum is described by Disney as 'The first lounge on a Disney Cruise Line ship that is inspired by the powerful sorcerers and occult artifacts from Marvel Studios' supernatural film Doctor Strange. This remarkable sanctum on the Disney Destiny, containing mystical items designed to help sorcerers protect the world, was created as a special space for adults to enjoy themselves and also offers family programming at specific times. It’s home to a magical array of cocktails, spirits, mocktails and coffees, as well as dynamic entertainment. Delight in surprises from Doctor Strange's New York Sanctum Santorum, a focal point for mysterious experiences in the spiritual realm. Uncover unique design details inspired by the sorcerers' light shields. Check out the large window behind the bar, based on the legendary Seal of Vishanti. Explore other familiar icons like the 'Cloak of Levitation' and spell books from the mythical library of Kamar-Taj. And revel in the currents of cosmic energy! The centrally located entertainment parlor hosts a variety of activities throughout the voyage while offering a magical array of cocktails, mocktails, spirits and coffees. Be dazzled by the mystic art of mixology and savor exclusive cocktails that seemingly materialize from across the multiverse. Enjoy programming designed to delight the whole family, available at specific times.
J. R. started out with 'The Distortion Effect', a shot of Angel's Envy Single Barrel High Seas Edition with Lillet Rouge Bitters while Janie opted for 'The Incursion', a blend of Absolut Citron, Cointreau, Aperol Lillet Blanc and White Cranberry.
We went for a second drink, with J. R. doing the 'Eye Opener', with Saigon Baigur, Lemon, Smoked Oolong Tea and Amaro Montenegro. The drink and presentation were disappointing as they did not have the 'levitating' glasses on the ship they show in their ads. The tea drink was supposed to 'pour itself' but instead was served with a magnetic lever and you still had to pour it into a small cup. None of the levitating drinks were available. Janie did find her favorite drink, 'Infinite Bubbles', with Empress Gin, Creme de Violette and Joto The Citrus One Sake'.
We went upstairs to change for dinner and then headed to the 12th deck and the Rose. Disney says, 'Soak in spectacular ocean views while unwinding in a chic lounge reminiscent of the enchanted castle from Beauty and the Beast. Your journey begins at a corridor adorned with beautiful custom artwork inspired by the fateful flower at the heart of the story, commissioned exclusively for the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny. This grand entrance culminates in a gilded rotunda, unfolding into a plush lounge with rich velvet seating, glorious views and magical illuminations. Start your night right, or wind down in style, at an adults-only spot suited for any occasion. The Rose serves an extensive selection of high-end wines and liquors making it an idyllic setting for a pre-dinner aperitif or post-dinner nightcap. Guests can also indulge in a special menu of gourmet amuse-bouche and small plates from the Enchante galley, curated by 3-Michelin-starred Chef Arnaud Lallement.'
Since we had several servings of wine to come, we did not partake of a drink here on this night but would come back later.
We had done the Prima Notte experience on the Disney Fantasy and enjoyed it, so we booked it again on this trip. You are served four courses of small bites paired with a selection of wines. We noticed the menu was the same as before and were disappointed in the dryness of the waygu beef, but all of the wines were very good. We enjoyed our experience more the first time because we were seated with another couple and had time to talk but this time, almost all of the tables were for two.
Our dinner tonight was in 1923. Our dining team of Meffi and Alessandro were very friendly but service was slow, especially waiting for our dessert to arrive. J. R.'s cut of steak was not great and the churro dessert was not worth waiting for as the churros were chewy as if they had been setting a long time.
After dinner, we stopped by the Haunted Mansion Parlor and found a couch to sit at. Disney describes this space as 'Join grim grinning Guests in a parlor that resembles a drawing room of a classic cruise liner, where you can sample ghostly cocktails that capture the spirit of the Haunted Mansion story. Meanwhile, legendary phantom characters from Haunted Mansion attractions around the world, along with a few new spine-chilling seafarers, materialize and socialize in mysterious ways. While enjoying the Haunted Mansion Parlor's spellbinding atmosphere, indulge in a refreshing drink. Choose from our tempting selection of ghostly cocktails and mocktails that capture the true spirit of the Haunted Mansion. Complete with nostalgic tributes to Haunted Mansion attractions around the world, this parlor features ghastly paintings in an eerie portrait gallery. These portraits depict some of the wandering souls who have taken up residence on board the Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny, and pay homage to the art pieces in the original Haunted Mansion attraction with added technologies that allow the ghostly residents to entertain Guests in new, frightfully fun ways. The parlor once belonged to a jovial sea captain and his strange but captivating fiancee. With so many rumors swirling around, it's hard to say what happened to the happy couple following their sudden disappearance. The most discerning Guests may discover the truth when they decipher the clues that are hidden around the bar.'
Disney's website advertises the bar as 'adults-only' but there was no one stopping children from entering or sitting around the space, which is unfortunately typical for Disney Cruise Line where they often do not enforce the 18+ restrictions. J. R. found his drink, the 13th Hour to be overly sour.
J. R. found a pair of seats upstairs in Saga for the With Great Power: A Marvel Comedy Show. Lounge singer Violet Fox performed a few numbers before the show which saw traveling storytellers Zayah and Gamble re-enacting scenes from Marvel movies based off the 'Scroll of Virtues' with each virtue being assigned to a Marvel hero. This was an adult-only show with some risque humor, particularly bleeped words from Deadpool at the end, and as far as we could tell, the hosts did a good job keeping the kids out.
We retired to our room after the show since we would have an early start at the beach tomorrow.
