Disney Destiny Reaches New Milestones

I hope you’re ready to meet your Destiny — because I sure am! 🛳💫

Disney Cruise Line’s next ship, the Disney Destiny, is coming to life right before our eyes — and friends, she is already a showstopper. From heroic statues and room décor fit for royalty to Spidey-inspired stern magic and Jack-Jack-approved sweet shop surprises, this ship is going to be an unforgettable blend of power, playfulness, and pixie dust.

Disney Destiny Reaches New Milestones
Concept Art: Disney Cruise Line

This week, Disney gave us a behind-the-scenes look at the shipbuilding progress — and you know I couldn’t wait to dive in and break it all down for you. So grab your Mickey ears, turn up the Spotify playlist (yep, there’s a Spotify playlist!), and let’s take a peek at all the latest from the future home of magical adventures.


🕷️ Spider-Man Swings into the Stern Spotlight

For the first time ever, a Marvel Super Hero is claiming the stern spotlight aboard a Disney Cruise Line ship — and I think this will be a BIG hit with Marvel fans all over the world. The Disney Destiny’s stern character will be none other than Spider-Man, joined by his adorable, gadget-loving Spider-Bots, all busily “decorating” the ship’s filigree with web-slinging flair.

Disney Destiny reaches new milestones. SpiderMan Stern Design
Concept Art: Disney Cruise Line

This massive sculpture is currently in its final stages and will soon be installed on the back of the ship. I can already picture the incredible photo ops — and yes, I’m expecting Her Universe and the Disney Store to produce some dazzling Spidey themed-merch 😍 that will need to be photographed with Spidey on the stern!


🎨 Stateroom Art with Legendary Vibes

One of my favorite details on Disney Cruise ships? The custom mural above the bed — and the Destiny is taking it to the next level.

Each stateroom on the Destiny will feature gorgeous, oversized headboard artwork celebrating the duality of heroes and villains, with stunning tributes to characters like Hercules, Mulan, and Merida. These illustrations are cinematic and bold, bringing Disney and Pixar storytelling right into your personal space. It’s like sleeping under the stars and a storybook. ✨

These art pieces are stunning. I want ALL of them. In my house. {sigh}. But seriously, aren’t these so beautiful? Such a dreamy quality.


Edna & Jack-Jack Steal the Spotlight (and the Cookies)

Calling all Incredibles fans — the Edna À La Mode Sweets shop just keeps getting better. Two brand-new life-size statues are coming to this sugar-coated space, and they’re straight from the Auntie Edna short film.

You’ll see Edna Mode attempting to entertain the ever-unpredictable Jack-Jack using an assortment of sweet treats — and you just know something’s going to explode in the most adorable way. I’m ridiculously excited about this one. I mean, you all know how much I love Edna Mode!


🖤 A Marvel-ous Welcome in the Grand Hall

Ready for your jaw to drop?

For the very first time, the Grand Hall’s signature statue — the one that welcomes every guest as they board — will be a Marvel hero. And not just any hero: it’s T’Challa, the original Black Panther.

Standing tall on a rocky outcropping with a panther by his side, this bronze statue is accented with shimmering silver and deep purple tones that reflect Wakanda’s strength, elegance, and pride. I think the Black Panther is quite a departure from the statues we normally see in the Grand Hall–and I think the impact on Marvel fans from all over the world will be BIG.

Disney Destiny Black Panther Heroes and Villains
Concept Art: Disney Destiny

🎵 The Official Disney Destiny Spotify Playlist is Here!

Want to start setting the mood? Disney has launched an official Disney Cruise Line playlist on Spotify, featuring Disney favorites that tie into the various ships’ venues and themes.

🎶 Expect songs from:

      • The Lion King to prep you for Feast of The Lion King (Disney Destiny)

      • Hercules to get hyped for the new Broadway-style show (Disney Destiny)

      • 101 Dalmatians to set the vibe for De Vil’s lounge (Disney Destiny)

Disney Destiny, Spotify Playlist
Disney Cruise Line OFFICIAL Spotify Playlist

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I know this may seem a little silly upon first glance and not really newsworthy. But these playlists are usually very good and I really wanted to share with you. Disney has been doing a really good job curating their various playlists over the last few years. I really enjoy them, especially the ones they put together for the races. It’s really fun on a dull, ordinary, gray day to put on a Disney Spotify Playlist and just let it go. Usually within a song or two, my mood is lifted and I’m feeling pretty terrific!

📝 Brooke’s Tip: Queue it up for your next walk or while packing your cruise outfits. Instant mood booster.


🌊 Float Up Complete! The Destiny Has Touched Water

Disney Destiny Major Milestone
Photos: Disney Cruise Line

Big moment alert! The Disney Destiny has officially touched water for the first time. The process, called the “float up,” flooded the shipyard chamber with water from the Ems River and gently lifted the ship from its resting place.

With the final block now in place, the ship is structurally complete. (Does anyone else get emotional watching time-lapse videos of Disney construction projects? No regrets. Don’t worry, you’ll get your chance. That video is coming up below.)

Here’s what’s next:

        • Systems testing begins (including the main engines)
        • Interior detailing continues
        • Iconic exterior elements (like the bow artwork!) are being finalized

🦸‍♀️ Minnie Mouse Shines on the Bow

And speaking of exterior elements… the Disney Destiny’s bow art will feature Captain Minnie Mouse in an epic new heroic look — cape billowing, stance strong, fully embracing the heroes and villains theme.

Disney Destiny major Milestones. Hero Minnie.
Concept Art: Disney Cruise Line

This hand-painted masterpiece continues Disney Cruise Line’s time-honored tradition of making each ship’s bow design uniquely magical. I love love love Minnie Mouse and it is so fun to see she’s taking a “leading” role on the Destiny. I mean, how cute is she?!?!?!

Disney Destiny Hero Minnie
Hero Minnie! Photo: DisneyCruiseLIne

🎥 Watch the Destiny Come to Life

Want to see this ship’s progress in action? Disney released a time-lapse construction video that shows the Disney Destiny being built alongside the Disney Treasure in Germany. It’s SO satisfying and magical to watch — from the skeleton of steel to the floating icon she’s becoming. [I am a sucker for these time-lapse videos, they are so fun to watch! It really does almost seem like magic!]

✨ Final Thoughts from This Future Passenger

This ship has me dreaming in purple, gold, and heroic flair. From the iconic art to the character reveals to the jaw-dropping details behind the scenes, the Disney Destiny is shaping up to be pure magic at sea.

The countdown to November 20 is ON — and whether you’re planning to book the maiden voyage or dreaming of a 2026 sailing, I hope you’re just as excited to meet your Destiny as I am.

💌 Ready to start planning your own legendary voyage? I’d love to help you get started! Email me and we can get started on all those Disney Cruise Line dreams!!

runDisney, Princess Half Marathon, Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend
Are you ready to plan your next Magical vacation? I’d love to help! email Brooke@disneycastledreaming.com for a free, no obligation quote today!

 

 

 

Epic Universe Opens May 22!

UNIVERSAL’S EPIC UNIVERSE: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO ORLANDO’S NEWEST THEME PARK

Welcome to Beyond the Castle! Each week, we’re posting about vacations to destinations OTHER than Disney World, Disneyland or Disney Cruise Line. [WHAT?!? You mean there are OTHER vacation destinations? I had no idea!! LOL]

This week, we’re not going very far. I promise, we will go all around the world in coming weeks, but right now, we’re staying in the same neighborhood: Universal Orlando.

For the last few years, Universal Orlando has been building a new theme park, Epic Universe. At long last, Epic Universe is almost ready to open. It’s already in previews so I decided it was time to take a deep dive.

Epic Universe opens May 22
Concept Art: Universal Orlando

Opening May 22, 2025, this is Orlando’s first brand new theme park in 25+ years, and the previews are getting me SO excited I just HAD to tell you all about it! So far, we’ve mostly seen concept art for Epic Universe. However, they’ve released a lot of concept art and honestly, it’s all been dazzling.

While I haven’t visited Epic Universe yet (preview testing is currently underway for Universal team members and seemingly their friends and family–I haven’t made that list just yet), I’ve gathered ALL the details you need to know about this game-changing addition to Orlando’s theme park landscape. Let’s dive in!

Epic Universe opens May 22! Universal Orlando
Concept Art: Universal Resorts

What is Epic Universe?

Epic Universe will be Universal Orlando’s third theme park and fourth park overall (alongside Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay water park). Located about 15 minutes from the main Universal resort area on a massive 750-acre site, this new park aims to “forever redefine theme park entertainment” according to Universal.

What makes Epic Universe unique is its layout. Unlike traditional theme parks where lands connect in a circle, Epic Universe uses a “hub-and-spoke” design with one central hub (Celestial Park) and individual “worlds” extending outward through five portals like spokes on a wheel. This means you’ll need to return to the central hub to access different lands! [Subtext: Lots more walking!]

The Five Worlds of Epic Universe

1. Celestial Park

Celestial Park serves as the main entry hub of Epic Universe, but it’s much more than just a pass-through area. This gorgeously themed area features astronomical and mythological-inspired architecture surrounded by gardens and water features.

Epic Universe Opens May 22!
Concept Art: Universal Orlando

Attractions in Celestial Park include:

  • Constellation Carousel: A fantastical carousel where riders aboard constellations glide forward, backward, and even make 360-degree rotations through a choreographed dance of music and starlight.
  • Stardust Racers: A dual-launch roller coaster that reaches speeds up to 62 mph with vehicles that criss-cross each other’s paths. (I’ve been hearing REALLY good things about this one from the previews.)
  • Astronomica: Water-based attractions perfect for cooling off in the Florida heat.
Epic Universe opens May 22
Concept Art: Universal Orlando

Dining options include:

  • The Atlantic: An underwater-themed seafood restaurant enclosed in glass, creating the illusion of dining beneath the sea.
  • Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant: Offering diverse Asian cuisine options.

2. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic

This is the THIRD Wizarding World at Universal Orlando, but with a completely different focus! Themed to the Fantastic Beasts franchise (a spinoff prequel to the Harry Potter series), this land will let you explore wizarding Paris of the 1920s, then take the Métro-Floo to the British Ministry in the 1990s.

In my opinion, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter “lands” at both Universal Orlando and Universal Islands of Adventure are the strongest, most highly themed areas in each of those two parks, so I have VERY high hopes for Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe. The Fantastic Beast series films have a very different look and feel from the original Harry Potter films, and the preliminary concept art for Ministry of Magic seems to align with that.

Epic Universe opens May 22!
Concept Art: Universal Orlando

Attractions include:

  • Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry: The main attraction, this ride will likely utilize cutting-edge technology to immerse riders in spellcasting duels, featuring encounters with Death Eaters and a rescue mission to save Sirius Black.
  • Le Cirque Arcanus: A full-scale theatre experience featuring live performers, puppetry, and special effects.
Epic Universe Opens May 22!
Concept Art: Universal Orlando

Dining options include:

  • Le Gobelet Noir: Offering soups, salads, entrees and desserts.
  • Cafe L’air De La Sirene: A French cafe serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with baked goods, sandwiches, desserts, and of course, butterbeer!

3. How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

Based on the beloved DreamWorks animated trilogy, this land is set at a time in the franchise when Vikings and dragons coexist peacefully, specifically between the second and third films. It will be one of the largest areas in Epic Universe!

I am SO excited to visit Isle of Berk. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the “How to Train Your Dragon” movies. They are so cute, and I love the messaging. The timing of Epic Universe opening May 22 is really good too–there’s a live action “How to Train Your Dragon” movie coming out in June that I am really looking forward to. I think it will introduce a whole new audience to this franchise.

Epic Universe Opens May 22
Concept Art: Universal Orlando

Attractions include:

      • Hiccup’s Wing Gliders: A multi-launch roller coaster that simulates flying with dragons, offering breathtaking views and heart-pounding drops.
      • Dragon Racer’s Rally: A dual sky fly attraction that puts guests in control of their dragon, challenging riders to outmaneuver each other in aerial combat.
      • Fyre Drill: An interactive boat ride where you’ll encounter dragons and experience Viking life.
      • The Untrainable Dragon: A Broadway-style live show.
      • Viking Training Camp: A children’s play area.
Epic Universe opens May 22
Concept Art: Universal Orlando

Dining options include:

  • Mead Hall: The central gathering hall where you can feast like a Viking and enjoy a savory menu featuring a variety of meats, fish, sandwiches and more along with a collection of meads and ciders.
  • Spit Fyre Grill: A quick-service restaurant overlooking the Fyre Drill attraction.
  • Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel: A festive racing-themed food stand.

4. Super Nintendo World

Nintendo fans, rejoice! After successful launches at Universal Studios Japan and Hollywood, Super Nintendo World comes to Orlando with even MORE attractions than its counterparts!

Epic Universe Opens May 22!
Concept Art: Universal Orlando

Attractions include:

      • Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge: The world’s first interactive Mario Kart theme park ride, where you can hit your enemies with shells, race around the tracks, and experience so much more with special vehicle glasses.
      • Yoshi’s Adventure: A family-friendly ride aboard Yoshi.
      • Mine-Cart Madness: A Donkey Kong-themed roller coaster exclusive to the Orlando location at opening.
      • Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown: An interactive gaming experience.
Epic Universe opens May 22
Concept Art: Universal Orlando

Dining options include:

      • Toadstool Cafe: Serving American cuisine with Nintendo-themed twists.
      • Yoshi’s Snack Land: Quick-service treats.

5. Dark Universe

Horror fans will love this land dedicated to Universal’s classic monsters! The coolest dining option seems to be The Burning Blade Tavern, which is topped with a windmill that smolders and flames. Inside, monster hunters have hung their trophy heads on the wall.

 

Epic Universe opens May 22
Concept Art: Universal Orlando

Attractions include:

      • Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment: A cutting-edge dark ride experience.
      • Additional horror-themed attractions and experiences featuring iconic Universal monsters like Dracula, the Wolf Man, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon.
Epic Universe opens May 22
Concept Art: Universal Orlando

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the other land that I am most excited to visit at Epic Universe once it opens. I was really surprised when I read about Dark Universe, but I love that Universal is doing something with these classic properties. Frankenstein? The Wolfman? Dracula? YES, PLEASE. I think the concept art for Dark Universe is the most interesting of all the concept art released so far for Epic Universe.

Epic Universe opens May 22
Concept Art: Universal Orlando

Dining options include:

      • The Burning Blade Tavern: A themed dining experience for monster hunters.
      • Das Stakehaus: A vampire-themed restaurant (get the pun?).
      • De Lacey’s Cottage: A food stand for quick bites.

Current Preview Status

As of early April 2025, Universal is conducting previews of Epic Universe with select Team Members, with construction largely shifted to overnight hours in areas where previews are occurring.  According to reports, the first phase of Team Member previews has been extended multiple times, suggesting the park is getting valuable feedback to refine the experience before opening.

Universal has restricted team members from posting their own photos or reviews during these previews, though professional park photographers are capturing some images. This suggests Universal is being extremely careful about managing first impressions of this potentially groundbreaking park.

Restricted or not, I have watched a LOT of videos from guests that have had a chance to preview the park and I’ve read a lot of reviews. They don’t show the park, and they don’t give a lot of details, but they are talking about their impressions. So far, everything I have watched or read have been VERY EXCITING. It really sounds like Epic Universe may actually live up to the gorgeous concept art and all the promotional rhetoric.

I, of course, will reserve judgement until I go for myself–but I am cautiously optimistic, based on what I’ve seen so far.

Epic Universe opens May 22
Concept Art: Universal Orlando

What Makes Epic Universe Special?

Beyond just the impressive lands and attractions, Epic Universe is setting new standards for theme park experiences. Universal Destinations & Experiences CEO Mark Woodbury has described it as “the most technologically advanced park we’ve ever done,” featuring “next generation of robotics, drone technology, all the way through to the guest experience.”

The park will also utilize facial recognition technology to create what Universal calls a “frictionless experience” throughout the resort. I’m really curious to learn more about what this will mean for the guest experience. I’ll be sure to keep you posted as we learn more!

Next Week: Tickets, Hotels, and Planning Tips!

In next week’s Beyond the Castle blog post, I’ll dive deep into all the ticket options, hotel packages, and planning tips you need to know to make the most of your Epic Universe visit! I’ll cover single-day tickets, multi-day options, annual pass information, express passes, and the brand new hotels opening as part of this expansion.

Who else is SUPER excited to experience Epic Universe? Let me know in the comments which land you’re most looking forward to exploring!

 

 

 

Brooke Epcot Headshot WDW Magical Castles Travel
P.S. I’d love to help your next travel adventure. Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com for a free quote!