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Disney Cruise

Disney Destiny Review 2026: Is Disney’s Newest Cruise Ship Worth It?

May 7, 2026 by Dana Zeliff Leave a Comment

Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

If you’e considering taking a Disney Destiny cruise, I’m here to give you my honest review (no sugar coating here!) As a travel advisor who has cruised a lot, this ship feels different from other Disney ships and, of course, is a completely different experience from other mainstream lines.

I sailed the Disney Destiny with my husband on a 4-night Bahamian cruise, and between the two of us, we experienced a lot of what this ship has to offer. This was a rare mom and dad only Disney trip, since our daughter is in her first year of college and we sailed during exam week.

Here’s everything you need to know before booking the Disney Destiny cruise including what genuinely wowed us and what fell more than a little short.

What Is the Disney Destiny Cruise Ship?

The Disney Destiny is one of the newest ships from Disney Cruise Line, launched in November 2025. She’s the third Wish-class ship, following the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure.

The Disney Destiny cruise ship sails year-round from Port Everglades. What makes the Destiny stand out is its bold Heroes and Villains theme. This is completely different from every other Disney ship. The Lion King, Hercules, Black Panther, Cruella de Vil and even Spider-Man swinging off the stern are all new features on the Disney Destiny.

The Disney Wish leaned into princess magic while the Disney Destiny feels more dramatic, modern and way more adult.

The detail is incredible (as always). From the port terminal to the stairwell artwork, this ship is immersive in a way Disney just does better than anyone else.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Disney Cruise, Cruising

Disney Cruise Money Saving Tips {Don’t Cruise Until You’ve Read These Tips!}

May 10, 2023 by Dana Zeliff 4 Comments

Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

Disney Cruise Money Saving Tips header

Walt Disney had a magical vision.  His vision was not only transformed into the most popular amusement parks in the world but that magic is now traveling across oceans.  A Disney Cruise Line vacation offers more than just your favorite characters – from Broadway style musicals and relaxation by the pool to unlimited gourmet cuisine and family-friendly activities around the clock.  We’ve put together some of our best Disney Cruise money saving tips to help keep you on budget.

You might want to print our FREE Disney Adventure Planner for the countdown sheet & our Cruise Planner.

Disney Cruise Money Saving Tips:

1. Discounts and Special Offers –

When planning your next Disney Cruise vacation always check their special offers page online before booking.  Disney provides discounts for residents that live in Florida and U.S. Military rates year round.  Annually they will offer kids cruise free aboard some of their ships, usually in the spring or fall. In addition if you are able to sail during the off seasons you will save tremendously compared to sailing during the peak summer months or over a holiday.  We sailed for HALF the cost in February vs Christmas vacation.

2. Transportation to Port –

Compare prices for your transportation options.  Many local hotels provide a park and cruise option included in their one night stay.  If you arrive in Florida the day before your cruise you can park the rental car and ride the shuttle to the port.  There are also local transfer services and there is always Uber.  Depending on the number of people in your party, will determine which option is less expensive for you.  Disney’s airport shuttle is not the only option.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Disney Cruise, Cruising

15 Disney Cruise Secrets

February 21, 2019 by Dana Zeliff 48 Comments

Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

Disney Cruise Secrets Collage
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*Update* The newest ship, Disney Wish, will set sail January 2022!!!

Disney vacation cruises are amazing – magical even!  We sailed on the Disney Fantasy and learned tons of Disney cruise secrets that I hope will help you be prepared for your Disney Cruise.

Some of these Disney cruise secrets will save you money and some will save you time.  All will help make your first cruise even more magical!

Disney Cruise Secrets:

1.  FREE Soda – Okay, this really isn’t a secret but you may not realize that you can get free soda on a Disney Cruise.  No more paying for soda cards!

Soda is free from one of the soda machines found on the pool deck and during dinner.  If your itinerary includes Castaway Cay, you can also get free soda on the island.  You can’t get free soda from the bars or from room service.  Silly, I know.

Disney Costumes Collage

2.  Pack Your Own Princess and Pirate Costumes – Kids will want to dress up during the Pirates IN the Caribbean night.  Bring your own pirate or Caribbean inspired costume for more pirate fun and to save money – you don’t want to be tempted to buy a costume on board for big bucks!

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Disney Cruise, Cruising

Disney Cruise Rooms – Deluxe Stateroom on Disney Fantasy

February 15, 2019 by Dana Zeliff 3 Comments

Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

Disney Cruise Rooms Collage

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Disney Cruise Rooms are our favorite staterooms out of the 3 cruise lines we’ve sailed.  Why?  They are designed with families in mind!  From the separate water closet and shower to bunk beds and more, Disney has considered the lifestyle of families in their stateroom designs.

You’ll find several different category designations including: interior staterooms with magical portholes, ocean view staterooms, verandah staterooms, even a 1781 sq. ft suite!  You can choose the stateroom that best fits your families needs and budget.

My family stayed in a Deluxe Stateroom with a Verandah on the Disney Fantasy.  The Deluxe Stateroom includes a queen-size bed with plenty of storage underneath, convertible sofa, wall pull-down bed, split bath and private verandah.

I have these crazy notion that I must be able to abandon ship (strange, I know), so I can’t stay in an interior room.  PLUS the verandah’s are amazing for relaxing in the early morning or evening as your glide over the water.

Disney Cruise Rooms - Sleeping Collage

The deluxe stateroom has a queen-sized bed, couch, armchair, desk, TV, and an iPod docking station. When it’s time to turn in for the night, a pull-down top bunk will be allow the kids to sleep alone.  One of my kids favorite features of the Disney cruise rooms is not having to share a bed.

Another Disney stateroom perk is the celestial sky hidden in the ceiling of the upper berth pull-down bed-this is perfect for those kids so excited from the day’s adventures that they can’t fall asleep!

Disney Cruise Rooms - Bathroom Collage

The separate water closet with sink and mirror is a unique and family-friendly feature aboard Disney cruise lines.  One family member can be brushing their teeth and another can be taking a shower – no more fighting over the bathroom!

There is a round tub in the full bathroom with rain shower, sprayers galore, and a handheld shower head that is perfect for washing little ones.  You also have a bonus bench seat!

Disney Cruise Rooms Animal Towel Collage

I just had to include a couple of the cute towel (and blanket) animals that were waiting for us each night when we returned from dinner.  You’ll also get a tasty chocolate square with your towel animal for a sweet treat at night. 🙂  A perfect way to end the day!

We found that Disney cruise rooms accomadated our families needs with plenty of storage options, super comfortable beds, a privacy curtain, refrigerator,  and amble closet space.  Enjoy relaxing with your family in your magical stateroom on the high seas!

Like reading about Disney Cruise Rooms? See more Pictures of Disney Cruise and learn more about Disney Vacation Cruises in my previous posts.

What do you think about Disney Cruise Rooms?

Filed Under: Disney Cruise, Cruising

Pictures of Disney Cruise – Our Disney Fantasy Cruise Pictures

February 13, 2014 by Dana Zeliff 3 Comments

Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

Pictures of Disney Cruise Collage
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If you’re planning to cruise aboard the Disney Fantasy, you can take a peek at our family photos.  We took a ton of pictures during our Disney cruise and hopefully these will give you an idea of what you can expect.

Pictures of Disney Cruise:

Pictures of the massive ship –  The Disney Fantasy is the 4th Disney cruise ship added to the line and has 14 decks, can accommodate 4,000 passengers and is decorated to give the feel of a 1930’s vessel.  It’s stunning!

 Pictures of Disney Cruise

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Disney Cruise, Cruising

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Welcome!

Hi, I’m Dana. I believe planning a great trip doesn't mean spending endless evenings scrolling through travel forums and getting overwhelmed by all the logistics.

My approach to travel is built on real-world experience. Alongside my husband and our two kids (who are now 19 and 22), I’ve explored 48 countries across 4 continents including a life-changing four years living as expats in France.

Whether you want a custom European trip built from scratch or a seamless cruise vacation, I combine my firsthand travel knowledge with top industry credentials to handle the stress of planning. You just pack your bags and enjoy the journey. Read More…

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