Update: Marvel characters dotting next Disney Cruise Line ship

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Disney Cruise Line has shared the progress on visual elements of its Disney Destiny ship, particularly the Marvel characters that will be found on – and just outside – the vessel.

“We are actively in construction right now. All the blocks of the ship have been assembled, so we’re now moving to the interior of the ship, starting to install finishes,” Beth Burkhardt, principal interior designer with Walt Disney Imagineering, said during a showcase about Destiny while aboard the docked Disney Wish ship at Port Canaveral.

“Each day these spaces are starting to come to life, which is very exciting,” she said.

The new ship, set to sail in November, is currently still at the manufacturer in Germany. Disney is overlaying a “heroes and villains” theme throughout the Destiny.

That starts/ends out the back with Spider-Man clinging to Destiny, much like Goofy bringing up the rear for Disney Magic, Dumbo with Disney Fantasy and Rapunzel on Disney Wish.

“It’s our first-ever Marvel stern character,” Burkhardt said. “And, as always, we love to have a fun, whimsical twist to all of them.”

In this case, the stern character ensemble will include Spider-Bots.

“Some of the spider-bots have a snorkel mask or a life preserver around their waist. They’re having a great time,” Burkhardt said.

She shared a making-of video for Spidey and friends, and she said the figures were en route to Germany to be installed on the ship.

Disney Cruise Line adding modern touches to new ‘Hercules’ show

The Grand Hall of Destiny will have multiple “Black Panther” touches.

“Another Marvel first on board Disney Cruise Line is our Grand Hall character T’Challa,” Burkhardt said. “He actually has a black panther that’s standing next to him, which is symbolic of all of the different Black Panthers.”

Like on other DCL ships, the T’Challa is a bronze sculpture, but it has a darker patina that brings out silver accents in his suit. There are purple accents, too, representing vibranium, an energy-absorbing ore that’s part of the Marvel Universe.

“You can see the vibranium activating his suit. … So he’s powering up and ready to have an adventure,” Burkhardt said.

A recently released rendering of Destiny’s Grand Hall – which features a vibranium-powered chandelier – includes the character of Loki, villainous brother of Thor. It’s a signal that good and evil may lurk in that space thanks to special effects.

“Lighting is used in a completely new way. … So if you see a hero or villain in the space, it’ll feel completely different,” Burkhardt said.

The Sanctum is inspired by the sorcerers and mystical artifacts of Doctor Strange. The parlor offer an array of cocktails, mocktails and coffees. (Walt Disney Co.)

Elsewhere, the ship’s Sanctum Lounge is inspired by the Doctor Strange character.

“There are some great design details from the Chamber of Relics. We really leaned into that space in the film to inspire the look and feel of the space,” Burkhardt said. “We also have those suspended books on the bookshelves like where Doctor Strange goes to study at Kamar-Taj and have the books with all the sorcery in them.”

There’s more superhero action with an Iron Man-inspired suite and the Marvel Super Hero Academy area for young passengers.

Other character touches on the 4,000-passenger ship include a piano lounge with Cruella De Vil, “Hercules” and “Frozen” stage shows and themed dining called Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King. Among the tunes the ship’s horns can play are “Captain America March” and “The Glory Days” from “The Incredibles.”

And Disney revealed a superhero costume, complete with cape, for Minnie Mouse.

A new costume will help Minnie Mouse get into the "heroes and villains" spirit of Disney Destiny ship. (Kent Phillips/Walt Disney Co.)

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