Disney Cruise Line’s Wish Class ships — the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny — were designed to be more than cruise ships. They operate as floating performing arts environments, where storytelling extends far beyond a single main stage. That philosophy has evolved with each ship in the class, and it comes into sharp focus aboard the Disney Destiny. Here, villains anchor experiences that range from intimate character moments to large-scale spectacle, reshaping how guests engage with Disney stories at sea.
During the media voyage, I spoke with Jenny Weinbloom, Vice President of Disney Live Entertainment for Disney Signature Experiences. Her perspective connects the Destiny’s many entertainment offerings into a single creative vision rooted in immersive storytelling.
A Ship Built Like a Performing Arts Complex
Rather than treating entertainment as something that happens in one theater, the Disney Destiny treats the entire ship as a collection of performance spaces. There is a main theater, a Grand Hall stage, and intimate venues that function like black-box theaters, nightclubs, and lounges, along with flexible areas that transform throughout the day.
This design allows storytelling to appear anywhere. A coffee shop, a stairwell, or a transitional space can become part of the narrative. Entertainment is no longer limited to a scheduled seat. It becomes part of the environment guests move through.
Villains Matter on the Disney Destiny
Villains play a unique role in storytelling. They are not naturally approachable or huggable, and they are not designed to be comforting. A traditional meet-and-greet simply doesn’t fit. That challenge is intentional. On the Disney Destiny, villains are used to create relationships with guests, rather than simple photo opportunities.
Each villain interaction is built around conversation and motivation. Guests are given a reason to engage, respond, and participate. Whether through Maleficent’s commanding presence or Loki’s playful manipulation, these encounters invite guests into a story rather than placing them beside it.
Intimate Encounters and Spectacle Moments
The Disney Destiny balances two scales of storytelling. Some experiences are small and personal, designed for limited groups where character interaction feels direct and unscripted. Others are larger moments that fill shared spaces with lighting, music, and movement.
This range allows guests to choose how deeply they engage. Some may observe from the edges. Others step directly into the experience. Both options are intentional and equally valid.
Surprise and Discovery as Story Tools
Surprise plays a key role in the Destiny’s entertainment design. Guests are encouraged to discover moments rather than follow a fixed schedule. While the schedule exists, there may be a few things missing from the daily cruise planner. A performance might appear unexpectedly. A character interaction will unfold differently each time, based on audience participation.
This approach rewards curiosity. It also creates repeat value, as no single day reveals everything the ship has to offer.
Storytelling DNA from the Galactic Starcruiser
The Disney Destiny’s immersive approach draws clear influence from lessons learned on Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. While the Destiny does not require full participation, it borrows key ideas such as character-driven interaction, guest choice, and narrative continuity.
These principles allow the ship to support deep storytelling without overwhelming guests. Participation is optional, flexible, and designed to fit different comfort levels.
How Villains Define the Disney Destiny
Villains give the Disney Destiny its edge. They introduce tension, humor, and unpredictability into the guest experience. By focusing on relationship-driven encounters instead of routine meet-and-greets, Disney Cruise Line creates moments that feel personal and memorable.
This approach sets the Disney Destiny apart within the fleet and across the cruise industry. It demonstrates how immersive storytelling can exist at multiple levels, from quiet conversations to bold spectacle.
