Artwork for podcast The Laid-Back Magic® Way: A Disney World Planning Podcast
49: Inside the Disney Destiny Cruise: First Impressions of DCL’s Newest Ship with Melissa McGill
Episode 49 • 12th January 2026 • The Laid-Back Magic® Way: A Disney World Planning Podcast • Dana Stanley
00:00:00 00:38:05

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Thanks to our sponsor, Whit's Whimsy

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Use code LAIDBACK to save 15% off your first order of vintage & secondhand Disney

I am sitting down with Melissa McGill to talk all about her first experience aboard the Disney Destiny cruise, Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship. Melissa McGill just returned from a preview sailing, and we recorded this conversation to share what actually stood out once she was onboard the Disney Destiny cruise and what families should know before booking.

If you are thinking about planning a Disney cruise, this episode gives you a real-world look at what the Disney Destiny cruise feels like beyond the headlines. We talk through ship theming, staterooms, entertainment, kids clubs, adult-only spaces, and how this ship fits into Disney cruises for families who want a balanced vacation.

Melissa McGill shares her honest first impressions, what surprised her most, and what she would prioritize differently now that she has experienced the Disney Destiny cruise firsthand. We also talk in detail about Disney cruise food, including dining rooms, lounges, and what is actually worth planning around when you are planning a Disney cruise for the first time.

CONNECT WITH MELISSA MCGILL:

Follow Melissa (and check her Destiny highlights!)

Visit her website

If you are actively planning a Disney cruise or comparing options for Disney cruises for families, this conversation will help you decide if the Disney Destiny cruise makes sense for your family. From Disney cruise food to entertainment and logistics, Melissa McGill breaks down what matters most so planning a Disney cruise feels clearer and more confident.

What part of the Disney Destiny cruise would influence your approach to planning a Disney cruise for your family the most? Let me know over on IG at @somewhereworthwhile.

LET’S CONNECT!

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Follow Whit's Whimsy

Use code LAIDBACK to save 15% off your first order of vintage & secondhand Disney



Podcast music by Podington Bear, track: 'Filaments', licensed under CC BY-NC, courtesy of Free Music Archive.

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