During the Disney Destiny media voyage, The Sanctum quickly emerged as one of the ship’s most intriguing new venues. As Disney Cruise Line’s first Marvel-themed lounge at sea, it blends the mysticism of Doctor Strange with the elegance of a DCL space. To understand how this vision moved from early sketches to a fully realized environment, we spoke with Imagineer Beth Burkhardt, who helped guide the design process.
Starting with Story: The Concept Behind The Sanctum
Beth explained that The Sanctum was “completely inspired by Doctor Strange—his world, his symbols, and his signature colors.” She emphasized, “You’ll see his iconic palette everywhere: blues, reds, and golds. Those tones guided our earliest concept art and stayed with us through every design phase.”
Beth explained that the foundation of The Sanctum’s design began with story. The team wanted the space to echo the world of Doctor Strange without copying the New York Sanctum Sanctorum directly. Instead, the lounge needed to reflect Marvel’s magical visual language in a way that felt elevated and consistent with Disney Cruise Line’s aesthetic.
After researching the films and reviewing original concept art, the Imagineering team worked closely with Marvel Studios to refine patterns, textures, and stylistic choices. Early concept art explored color, texture, and tone in a way that set the foundation for every decision that followed. Designers leaned into deep reds, golds, and geometric patterns that hint at sorcery and ancient knowledge. The goal was to build an environment that immediately suggested Marvel magic while remaining warm and inviting.
Bringing the Window of the Worlds to Life
Beth explained, “The iconic window was essential. It’s one of the strongest visual cues from Doctor Strange’s world, but we didn’t want to copy it directly. We wanted our own interpretation that still felt instantly recognizable.”
One of the signature elements of The Sanctum is the large circular feature behind the bar. Inspired by the Window of the Worlds, it serves as the room’s central visual anchor.
Details That Reward Exploration
Beth added, “There are lots of details and props hidden in every corner. We wanted guests to discover something new each time they return.” Beth noted that “there are lots of details and props hidden in every corner,” each one placed to enhance the sense of mystery and discovery.
Designing for Day and Night
According to Beth, “The Sanctum supports activities through the day—learn-to-draw sessions, trivia, and more—then transitions into an adult lounge at night. Lighting does a lot of the heavy lifting to make that shift feel natural.”
Our Perspective on Disney Destiny Sanctum Design
The lounge feels anchored in Marvel’s magical storytelling while remaining an elegant part of the Disney Destiny. Every element—from the concept art to the final textures—was designed to immerse guests without overwhelming them.
Visitors who spend time in this space will find a blend of artistry, narrative, and detail that elevates the experience. The Sanctum succeeds because it rewards curiosity and invites guests to explore.
