Move over, Mickey — there’s a new ruler on the water. The Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s brand-new ship, has officially debuted one of its most talked-about experiences yet: Under Her Spell: A Maleficent Encounter. And fans who’ve seen it are calling it one of the most immersive meet-and-greets Disney has ever produced.
This isn’t your average “smile and snap” with a character. Guests who step into this encounter don’t just meet Maleficent — they enter her world. And if early reactions are any indication, the experience is casting quite the spell over fans.
DSNY Newscast (@DSNYNewscast) shared the meet and greet on X, stating, “FIRST LOOK at “Under Her Spell: A Maleficent Encounter” on the Disney Destiny! #DisneyDestiny #DisneyVillains
This was a brilliant 10 mins introduction to a meet & greet! Can’t wait for something like this environment to be built for real in Villains Land at Magic Kingdom!”
FIRST LOOK at “Under Her Spell: A Maleficent Encounter” on the Disney Destiny! #DisneyDestiny #DisneyVillains
This was a brilliant 10 mins introduction to a meet & greet! Can’t wait for something like this environment to be built for real in Villains Land at Magic Kingdom! pic.twitter.com/X5bdYAi8Ma
— DSNY Newscast (@DSNYNewscast) November 11, 2025
A Spellbinding Introduction
The Disney Destiny is already being hailed as a bold step forward for Disney Cruise Line. The ship’s entire theme celebrates the classic struggle between heroes and villains, a design direction that feels both nostalgic and daring. From the first moment you board, you can feel the tension between light and shadow.
It’s a ship that dares to balance good and evil — from the colorful Marvel-inspired dining spaces featuring heroic decor to the moody, dramatic lounges dedicated to Disney’s most infamous scoundrels. And now, with “Under Her Spell,” it feels like the villains are officially getting their moment in the spotlight.
The experience is set in a chamber that looks like it was pulled straight from the depths of the Forbidden Mountain. Dim lighting, curling green mist, and a haunting orchestral score fill the air as guests are led inside. Then, as the sound swells, Maleficent appears — regal, terrifying, and utterly magnetic.
The Mistress of All Evil, Live and In Person
For about ten minutes, guests are transported into a short, atmospheric story led entirely by Maleficent herself. She doesn’t just stand for photos — she performs. Every movement is deliberate, her cape sweeping dramatically as she circles the room like a predator sizing up her prey.
The show portion of the experience blends theatrical lighting with subtle special effects. Green and purple hues ripple through the room as Maleficent raises her staff, and a faint rumble echoes like dragon wings overhead. Cast Members in gothic-style attire act as attendants of her court, staying in character as they usher guests closer for their interaction.
Once she addresses the crowd, the encounter transitions into a more personal setting. Guests can approach for photos or conversation, though it’s clear from her commanding tone that she’s still very much in charge. It’s not scary — but it’s certainly intimidating in the best way.
What makes this experience so remarkable is how complete it feels. There are no awkward pauses, no immersion breaks. It’s a self-contained performance that plays out seamlessly, with Maleficent holding the audience’s attention from start to finish.
A New Type of Disney Experience
It’s no surprise that this encounter is already making waves. Fans have long asked for more interactive, story-driven character experiences — something that feels like an attraction rather than a formality. “Under Her Spell” seems to answer that call.
It’s short enough to fit into a day’s cruise schedule, but rich enough in detail to feel like an event. Every light cue, every movement, every sound adds to the illusion. Even guests who aren’t particularly interested in villains have reportedly walked away impressed.
While Disney Cruise Line has been pushing the boundaries of entertainment for years — from Broadway-caliber stage shows to immersive dining experiences — the Disney Destiny seems to take that ambition one step further.
And it’s not just the Maleficent encounter drawing attention. The ship itself is packed with first-of-its-kind venues inspired by Disney heroes and villains alike. De Vil’s Lounge channels the over-the-top glamour of 101 Dalmatians’ notorious fashionista, while Dr. Facilier’s Voodoo Parlor offers mysterious cocktails and live jazz. Even the Haunted Mansion Parlor delivers on eerie elegance, complete with themed drinks that are “to die for.”
Dining, Entertainment, and Immersive Design
Dining on the Destiny continues Disney’s trend of turning meals into storytelling experiences. One of the most anticipated is Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King, an African-inspired restaurant that pairs a vibrant menu with live music and visual storytelling from The Lion King.
Meanwhile, stage productions like Disney Hercules bring massive set pieces — including a multi-headed Hydra — to life, rivaling anything seen in Disney’s theme parks. Between shows, guests can relax at Edna À La Mode Sweets, a boutique dessert shop inspired by the pint-sized fashion designer from The Incredibles.
But perhaps the biggest takeaway from the ship’s debut is how cohesive everything feels. Every venue, every performance, every lounge seems to connect back to the ship’s central theme: the balance between light and darkness.
And nowhere is that duality more perfectly realized than in Maleficent’s shadowy throne room.
Setting the Stage for What’s to Come
The timing of Maleficent’s grand entrance couldn’t be more fitting. Back on land, Disney has confirmed that Villains Land — an all-new area of Magic Kingdom — is officially in development.
This massive expansion, set “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain,” will bring Disney’s most iconic villains together for the first time in a fully realized land. Imagineers are promising immersive attractions, dining, and shopping experiences themed around the darker side of Disney storytelling.
The Maleficent encounter aboard the Destiny feels like a preview of what’s to come. The look, the tone, and the atmosphere all line up perfectly with what’s been teased for the upcoming land. If this experience is a test of how far Disney can push immersive villain storytelling, then it’s a clear success.
The connection runs even deeper. Early concept art for Villains Land features towering thorns, flickering green lights, and a design language that mirrors Maleficent’s haunting aesthetic. It’s not hard to imagine a similar live character encounter forming the heart of that expansion when it opens later this decade.
Disney’s New Era of Storytelling
Between the Disney Destiny and the future Villains Land, Disney appears to be leaning harder into theatrical, emotionally charged experiences. Gone are the days of passive entertainment — today’s guests want to live the story, and Disney is more than willing to deliver.
“Under Her Spell: A Maleficent Encounter” is proof that even a ten-minute meet-and-greet can feel like an epic. It’s an experience that lingers — one that feels bold, confident, and just a little dangerous.
If this is the direction Disney’s heading — combining character-driven storytelling with immersive theatrical design — the future looks promising. And a little dark. But that’s exactly the point.
For years, fans have said villains deserve their own spotlight. With the Disney Destiny and the upcoming Villains Land, it seems that spotlight has finally turned green.
And judging by the excitement, nobody’s in a hurry to turn it off.
