Welcoming A Hero The Disney Destiny Christening Ceremony
The waterfront concert-met-Disney-theater extravaganza was complete with live music, dazzling vocalists, and jaw-dropping drone effects in the night sky, while the ship itself became a canvas for scenic projections, all honoring the ship’s heroes-and-villains theme.
Ahead of the Disney Destiny’s maiden voyage on Nov. 20, 2025, we’re excited to relive this magical milestone here on the Disney Parks Blog with a can’t-miss video recap of the ceremony.
The Disney Destiny Christening combined the spirit of a high-energy concert with the theatricality of a Disney spectacular, including a multi-tiered set, drone special effects and scenic projections on the ship itself, alongside a live band and a dozen dazzling vocal performers. The waterfront production featured a custom, pop rock-inspired arrangement of iconic music from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Hercules,” “The Lion King” and “Frozen,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther” and more — a tribute to the legendary Disney Animation, Pixar Animation Studios and Marvel stories guests can experience aboard the new ship.
Josh D’Amaro and Joe Schott Speak at the Christening Celebration
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, and Joe Schott, President of Disney Signature Experiences, started the celebration.
“For more than 100 years, we have entertained our fans in new and innovative ways, connecting them to the Disney stories they love,” Josh said. “Disney Cruise Line is a powerful part of that legacy because our ships become brand ambassadors that travel the globe and bring joy to our guests in ways only Disney can. Now, the Disney Destiny makes its own extraordinary entry into our growing fleet.”
Drones Light Up the Sky in Ft. Lauderdale
Incredible scenes from some of the beloved Disney stories that guests will experience onboard were brought to life through sparkling drones, colorful projections, and lively music, with special pop-rock renditions of classics from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Hercules, The Lion King and Frozen, Marvel Studios’ Black Panther, Pirates of the Caribbean, and more, providing a musical narration of the show.
Susan Egan Named Godmother of the Disney Destiny
The celebration culminated with the ship’s godmother, Susan Egan—the Broadway legend and voice of Megara in the Disney Animation classic, Hercules—gave the Disney Destiny her traditional maritime blessing, kicking off a grand finale worthy of the gods. With a pop of champagne and a sprinkle of Disney magic, the Disney Destiny is officially ready to set sail!
And when it does, the ship will unlock unique hero-and-villain-themed experiences at sea for you and your family, including new ways to interact with infamous villains, a Cruella de Vil-inspired lounge, a Broadway-style retelling of Hercules, an Incredibles-themed sweet shop and a Lion King restaurant featuring live tributes to music from the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ film during dinner.
As Joe Schott said during the Christening celebration: “The Disney Cruise Line team, alongside our Disney Imagineers, have invested years of their expertise, creativity and dedication into this beautiful ship, and they have created something truly spectacular.”
Thanks to Disney Experiences for sharing the video and photos
