When thinking about a Disney cruise, it’s easy to imagine an environment filled with children and their parents. However, after spending four nights on Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Destiny for my 32nd birthday, I realized that Disney cruises have become increasingly tailored for adults.
The surge of "Disney adults," a term used to describe grown-ups who still embrace their love for Disney, has shifted Disney’s focus toward offering more experiences catered to this demographic. Many of these adults are millennials who grew up during the Disney Renaissance of the late ’80s and ’90s, and now they have the financial means to indulge in Disney offerings that attract them beyond theme parks.
Having performed aboard the Disney Wonder years prior, I knew that a Disney cruise provides a more laid-back alternative to the frenetic energy of the parks. When I learned that the Disney Destiny was launching over my birthday weekend, I jumped at the chance for a mother-daughter getaway, relishing the opportunity to revisit my past as a Disney performer.
Yet, one of Disney’s greatest strengths also revealed itself as a significant flaw.
Stepping onboard the Disney Destiny felt less like entering a cruise ship and more like stepping into a floating Disney resort. The ship can accommodate over 4,000 passengers while still maintaining a relaxed atmosphere. With various dining options, pools, Broadway-style entertainment, and myriad family activities, the ship radiates Disney’s signature storytelling.
What surprised me was the amount of the ship dedicated to adults. A cruise on the Disney Destiny starts at over $1,000 per person, covering accommodations, meals, and entertainment, not including drinks, which can substantially increase the total cost. This price point is reflected in the luxurious adults-only spaces, including specialty restaurants, cocktail bars, and a serene pool area. However, the reality I encountered was quite different.
During our explorations of the ship, my mother and I stumbled upon a line that stretched the length of a corridor with no kids in sight. This was not a queue for guest services or meeting a Disney princess, but for De Vil’s — an immersive cocktail lounge themed around 101 Dalmatians.
De Vil’s is more than just a bar; it hosts interactive musical performances featuring Cruella herself, transforming this intimate venue into a sought-after spot on the cruise. While the ambiance and themed decor were delightful, the popularity of these themed bars, including others like the Haunted Mansion Parlor and The Rose, resulted in overcrowded spaces. Random non-peak times offered the best chances for seating, making it a less-than-ideal experience for guests seeking relaxation.
Discussions with Disney Imagineers revealed that family considerations shape the design of these ships. While their intent is to create exclusive, immersive adult spaces, limitations arise when popular entertainment is confined to smaller venues. Although intimate spaces can feel special, they often lead to frustrating bottlenecks.
Reflecting on my time aboard the Disney Wonder, I recalled a solution that had worked well in the past: adults-only venues that catered to families during the day and transformed into 18-plus entertainment spaces at night. This allowed for ample room and entertainment without the need for extensive waits.
Disney excels at recognizing the significance of adult audiences as evidenced by the sophisticated dining options and relaxing adult areas available on the Destiny. However, there is a pressing need to expand and design more flexible adult spaces to meet the demand without long waits or overwhelming crowds.
If Disney is committed to improving the guest experience, a wish upon a star would be for an adults-only ship where everyone can enjoy themed performances without the hassle of long lines or cramped quarters.
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