Disney Destiny Update: October 2, 225: Entertainment Updates

Disney Destiny Update:

In less than two months, the first guests will step on board the Disney Destiny, where legendary heroes and villains will take center stage. Guests will interact with these dynamic characters in venues across the ship, such as the Grand Hall, the ship’s most striking and prominent gathering place inspired by the rich lore and vibrant colot palette of Marvel Studios’ Black Panther.

 

This space will host a variety of all-new entertainment offerings, including “Sounds of Wakanda,” a musical celebration featuring a group of traveling percussionists whose rousing rhythms are inspired by the stories, legends and culture of Wakanda.

 

Additional entertainment offerings in Grand Hall and beyond will feature two traveling storytellers, Zayah and Gamble, whose enchanted trunks react to the powerful energy and magic of classic Disney villains, Zayah, a fortune teller, will make predictions and weave tales with the help of mysterious book, while Gamble will conjure adventures with his collection of mystifying potions and elixirs.

The duo will host a variety of immersive storytelling experiences throughout each voyage, like “With Great Power: A Marvel Comedy Show” in the Saga entertainment lounge. Curated exclusively for adults, this sketch comedy show will invite guests on an interactive journey through some of the  most iconic moments of the Marvel Cinematic Universe using comically low-budget props, homemade sound effects, and sight gags to bring the stories to life.

 

With the Disney Destiny’s maiden voyage now less than two months away, stay tuned for more details on how this heroes and villains-themed ship will come to life this November!

What Will Be Happening on The Disney Destiny as she Crosses the Atlantic?

What Will Be Happening on The Disney Destiny as she Crosses the Atlantic?

From following past crossings of new ships to their new home port I know some of what will happen. Think of it like purchasing a newly built home. You get the home in a near finished condition but only you can put the final touches in. The décor needs to be put in place. The artwork installed, furniture must be moved into place. Sometimes you start doing this while the construction is in the final stage. You know where you want the appliances placed so you add the extra outlets or lighting. Contractors will not know your exact needs. Disney Imagineers have been at Meyer Werft working with construction crew adding what they could.

 

Exactly what is going to be needed is speculation because Disney has not let us see much inside the ship and we do not know what work still needs to be done. The shipyard has done its job. They built the ship and created the spaces. Disney Imagineers have already been hard at work adding the special magical touches. But, that in no way means the work is done.

 

I know the Disney Wish needed lots of finishing work done as she did her crossing. Carpet needed to be laid, and walls painted. Artwork and statues had to be installed. World of Marvel Restaurant needed the video monitors mounted and wired in. I know that there was a lot of work needed in the Walt Disney Theater as well. All of the things that needed doing needed to be done by Disney as it was Intellectual Property and Imagineers had to do the work. Due to the Covid Pandemic the shipyard was delayed in building the ship and that delayed the entire ship being finished. Disney Treasure was a lot further ahead of the Wish during her crossing. Still some artwork and finishing touches needed doing. They had to finish and test AquaMouse and other things as well.

 

All of that being said, what do I see for the Disney Destiny Crossing? I believe she is at lease at the same state of construction the Treasure was when she crossed. Destiny is the 3^rd ship in the Wish-Class. Meyer Werft has practice with this particular ship. Destiny will need moderate finishing work, along with the Imagineers special touches. Some small amount painting and installation of artwork will happen. Some completion of public areas and testing of entertainment items like sound and lighting in the theaters and the function of the AquaMouse. Exactly how much work is needed is hard to say.

 

Besides the finishing construction and final testing that needs to be done the crew will be doing training. Imagineers and other workers will have most likely have their families along for the trip. This will give the Cabin Hosts practice cleaning and interacting with guests. They will learn how to make Towelgomies. The kitchen staff will be cooking all the usual food they would during a standard cruise. It will be the same menus we will get when we board as guests. The servers will practice serving and doing their part for shows in the main restaurants as well as serving at the quick service locations, bars/lounges and Marceline Market. It will be more limited but still there. Kids Club Crew Members will be taking care of the kids that are on board while the parents’ work. Entertainment Crew will be practicing their parts in the shows. Those working in the Bars and Lounges will learn how to mix and serve the specialty drinks that will be available.

 

In other words, there will be a lot going on preparing the ship and crew for guests to board! By the time she gets to the US port where she will be Christened, she will be done, at least what we can see in the public spaces.

 

Disney+ has 2 great shows that will give you insight into the building of the Wish-Class ships. Check out the National Geographic “Making of the Disney Wish” and Making of the Disney Treasure.” The Making of the Wish shows more of the actual construction and the Transatlantic crossing. The Making of the Treasure shows less of the early construction and more of the finishing work and crossing.

I’m Sailing on the Disney Destiny Maiden Voyage! What do I Expect?

I’m Sailing on the Disney Destiny Maiden Voyage! What do I Expect?

This will be our 14^th Disney Cruise, I’ve never been on a Maiden Voyage of any ship. I have been a performer (retired professional mime) and understand perfecting a show. I believe that gives me idea of what could happen. I will be on the Maiden Voyage of the Disney Destiny and plan to enjoy it! Do I expect things to be perfect? No. Do I expect things to work exactly as they should? No. Do I expect the usual top tier Disney Service? Not so much. I know the Crew will do their best.

 

Remember that Walt called every public area of Disney Parks the Stage. When a Cast Member is loading a ride, guiding guests, handling crowds, selling food, drinks or merchandise or even emptying trashcans they are “On Stage” and part of the “Show.” The same goes for the Disney ships. When a crew member is walking down the deck headed from one location on the ship to another they are “On Stage.” How they walk, talk, and interact with guests is important. It is part of “The Show.” Well, with the new ship comes new crew. Even experienced crew that comes from other ships is “new” to this new ship. They are learning their new roles. They are learning the feel of their new stage.

 

Doing anything the very first time you expect it to be squeaky clean and work perfectly. Reality is different. You can anticipate many problems but not all of them. Problems can and will pop up to surprise you. Some will be expected and some not. A lighting effect may work great 100 times during testing, but a poor connection or flaw in the equipment can cause a failure during its first real use. Performers have rehearsed their lines and practiced the choreography for at least 4 months by the time of the Maiden Voyage. Can they still miss a step or forget a line? SURE!! Can props fail, and some of the ones on The Destiny are HUGE!! You bet! 1 puppet for the Hercules show takes 4 performers to control! Life happens when you are living!! Just be glad that the crew, and you are living to have life happen!! Give some grace and just be kind!

 

I do expect some fun goodies from this Maiden Voyage. I already know the Castaway Club Welcome Back Gifts will not be the same as usual. I’m excited about this! I know on some of the other Maiden Voyages there were other special gifts, including Champagne and glasses. Treasure even had a Treasure Box given to each stateroom. We do not know what Destiny has in store for us. I’m looking forward to finding out!

 

Once the cruise is over I’ll tell you all about it. I’ll share pictures, videos and stories about the ship, crew, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and Castaway Cay.

 

Until then Pixie Dusted Travels!!!

Pixie Pranks and Disney Fun had 54,112 Views for the Month of September! Thank You!!!

Pixie Pranks and Disney Fun had 54,112 Views for the Month of September! Thank You!!!

To each and every one of you who is reading my blog THANK YOU!!!! I greatly appreciate you! I will keep sharing what Disney knowledge I can find. I will keep giving travel advise and helping people find ways to enjoy seeing the world. Also thank you to my hubby and Pan DaMan, Scott/Sparky.

 

June of 2017, I had my biggest month of views prior to this month, 52,585 during that month. This month I surpassed that amount!! This month I had 54,112 views!!  That is 1,527, views more than my previous record high month!

 

For the past few years, my average views for a month range between 5,000 and sometimes as high as 10,000. This year my monthly count has averaged around 29,000! I hit 1 million views at the end of December 2024. Just this year I’ve had 262,631 views!! My blog count at the end of today’s count is 1,262,631! Just so you understand the timing of my blog count, the day ends at 5 pm Pacific Time, local time. The blog time is set for midnight UTC.

Thank you again from your Pranking Pixie Tinky!!

Disney Destiny has Finished Her Sea Trials!!

Disney Destiny has Finished Her Sea Trials!!

The Disney Destiny has returned to the Port of Eemshaven after completing her Sea Trials! The length of the Sea Trials leads to the conclusion that things went well. If all went well with the Sea Trials Destiny will be officially turned over to Disney within the next couple of days. Then she will start her Transatlantic Crossing to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Before leaving Eemshaven Destiny will have any work that must be done in port and resupply for her trip across the Atlantic. I think Destiny will leave Eemshaven mid-October. It will be a 2-week crossing. This will give them time to fix any little problems they found during the Sea Trials and finish up any work that needs to be done in a shipyard or at a port. It will also give them time to supply for the 2-week Transatlantic crossing.

 

Disney has still not announced exactly when or where the Christening Ceremony will be held or if they will livestream it as they have Christenings of most of the other ships in the fleet. This is a big question many fans want answered! Most of the ships were Christened at Port Canaveral. The exceptions are Disney Fantasy and Disney Treasure. They were Christened at the Port of New York. The Christening could happen at Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale, New York or some other port. Personally I hope the Christening happens at either Port Canaveral or New York. Both have webcams so you can watch the ship come into port and see a different angle of the ceremony. Fort Lauderdale has a webcam, but it does not see the actual dock where the Disney Ships pull in. You can watch them sail in and out but not see them at the dock.

 

I believe Destiny will arrive in the US and Christening will happen sometime between November 1^st and 10^th. This will give them time to do some media events and cruises before the Maiden Voyage November 20^th, 2025.

 

When Disney announces the arrival and the Christening I will share the information!!!

 

Info@PixieDustedMemoriesTravel.com

Disney Cruise Line, Along With Other Lines Notify Guests of a Significant Price Increase in Hawaiian Cruises

Disney Cruise Line, Along With Other Lines Notify Guests

of a Significant Price Increase in Hawaiian Cruises

Guests sailing to the State of Hawaii in 2026 are waking up to some sticker shock. Before you start blaming the Cruise Lines check out what the State of Hawaii has decided to do.

 

In an effort to raise funds, the State of Hawaii decided that there will be a 11% Transient Accommodation Tax (TAT) on the portion of the cruise fare, equivalent to the days a ship is docked at a Hawaiian Port. Along with that each local county where the ports stopped at are located can add another 3% Tax. This is a 14% increase in Port Taxes!

 

No Cruise Line has control of this increase and should not be accused of Price Gouging. Cruise Lines have two choices. No longer go to Hawaii or pay the fee. With Itineraries out until 2027 and beyond that would require Cruise Lines to cancel entire itineraries that are scheduled. Where would those ships go to? It may be too late to find other itineraries for them. Many guests would be unhappy if their Hawaiian Cruise was canceled. Also, there are contracts between the Ports and Cruise Lines to consider. If Cruise Lines decided not to go to the Ports they are contracted to go to they may still have to pay heavy fines. I know many cruise lines will absorb a small increase in Port Fees/Taxes per guest. I also know when Port Fees/Taxes are reduced, many lines, DCL included, will refund that amount to the guest. When the additional increased amount is $300-500 per guest it is just not doable for a line to absorb it. For example: If a cruise ship holds 2,600 guests at $300 per guest the increase is $780,000. At $500 per guest, it is $1,300,000! Many ships carry more than 2,600 guests, so the total would be even more! No company can absorb that amount of an increase without passing it onto the consumer.

 

What is the cruise industry doing about it? Individual Cruise Lines are in discussion with the government of Hawaii expressing their concerns. They are trying to work with the government on this. Some cruise lines are most likely considering cutting Hawaiian itineraries from their future plans. As well as the individual Cruise Lines, Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), the Cruise Industry Trade Association is suing the State of Hawaii over this increase. This will not solve the problem before the start date of January 1^st, 2026. This will be a hard-fought battle.

 

You may ask what is CLIA? As stated CLIA is the Cruise Industry Trade Association. CLIA works behind the scenes to improve cruising worldwide. CLIA forced Cruise Lines to adopt a Cruise Passenger Bill of Rights. CLIA demanded cleaner and healthier ship standards. They got the Cruise Lines to work towards a more sustainable future using cleaner and more renewable energy. CLIA encouraged Cruise Lines to be more accessible to those with disabilities.  They pushed to reduced pollution discharged by ships at sea and in general made cruising safer and more accessible. Full disclosure here. I am a CLIA Travel Agency Owner/Agent Member. They also have rules for Agencies and Agents. They offer training and support to improve service and knowledge.

 

International Air Travel Association (IATA) is the Airline equivalent of CLIA. IATA refuses to work for an Air Passenger Bill of Rights for the Air Travel Industry. I do not know of IATA pushing for any positive changes in Air Travel. I have not joined and most likely will not join IATA. We will have to wait for governmental involvement to force change in the Air Travel Industry.

 

What can you do about it if this effects your travel plans? Make a vote with your pocketbook. Do not visit Hawaii until this is changed if you don’t like it. Go if you ok with Hawaii increasing taxes by 14%, or just don’t want to miss your planned cruise. Write to the Hawaii Tourism Board and tell them how you feel about this.

 

I honestly believe the only way to make a change is standup and say something. Let your opinion be known. I believe Hawaii will lose tourists and therefore income. Only then will Hawaii change their decision.

 

Just so you know these taxes are already in place for land-based hotels and short-term rentals in Hawaii. Hawaii just decided to add Cruise Ships to the list they will Tax.

Want more information on Cruising and other Travel?

Info@PixieDustedMemoriesTravel.com

Disney Destiny Updates: The Walt Disney Theatre Cast Arrives in Germany

Disney Destiny Updates:

The Walt Disney Theatre Cast Arrives in Germany

By: Disney Destinations

September 17, 2025: The Walt Di Disney Theatre Cast Arrives in Germany

 

The inaugural Disney Destiny Walt Disney Theatre cast has arrived in Papenburg, Germany! The group headed onto the ship for a first look at the venue where they will spend the coming weeks putting the finishing touches on three Broadway-Style stage shows, including fleet favorites “Disney Seas the Adventure” and “Frozen, A Musical Spectacular” and the all-new “Disney Hercules.”

Before going the distance to Germany, the cast spent 11 weeks at Disney Cruise Line’s entertainment facility in Toronto, Canada, learning dialogue, choreography, and other show material for “Disney Hercules.” They prepared high-energy numbers, like “Zero to Hero,” using rehearsal puppets, sample costume pieces, and scenic elements similar to those on the Walt Disney Theatre stage.

 

As the cast steps into the spotlight at the Walt Disney Theatre, they will begin incorporating technical elements into their rehearsals, including costumes, sets, and state-of-the-art-puppetry, to help bring the Walt Disney Animation Studios film to the stage like never before.

Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to raising the curtain aboard the Disney Destiny!