Guests sailing aboard the Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Destiny, will find two very different ways to encounter the smooth-talking villain from The Princess and the Frog. Both experiences feature Dr. Facilier and both take place in Dr. Facilier’s Parlor on Deck 5, Midship. That shared location makes them easy to confuse, but it’s important to note that they are not the same experience.
The first option is the more immersive and in-demand offering. Officially described by Disney Cruise Line as an “intimate gathering” in Dr. Facilier’s mysterious parlor, the experience feels more like a short, theatrical moment than a standard character appearance. Small groups of about 12 to 15 guests are brought inside the small parlor at a time, where Dr. Facilier leads a group interaction lasting roughly eight to ten minutes. The setting is dim, atmospheric, and designed to feel personal, as if you have stepped into one of his private dealings.
Dr. Facilier invites you to an intimate gathering in his mysterious parlor. This experience is best enjoyed by guests 10 years or older. Video and photography are not permitted.
This parlor experience is recommended for guests ages 10 and older. Photography and video are not permitted, which helps maintain the mood and keeps the focus on the performance. It also ensures that future guests can enjoy the mystery of not knowing exactly what takes place behind the closed parlor door. I only hope that folks who have experienced it will not spoil the mystery for others. It’s fun to have been a Disney fan for as long as I have and to wait in line for something that I’ve heard is not-to-be-missed, but that’s all I know. Demand is high. Guests were lining up about 45 minutes before the listed start time, and crew members shared that anyone in line within 10 minutes after the posted start time should still make it inside.
The second option is a traditional meet-and-greet. Disney Cruise Line simply lists it as “Come meet Dr. Facilier,” and that description is accurate. Guests meet the character, exchange a few words, and take photos. While it takes place in the exact same location, the setup is different and does not include the small-group parlor interaction.
Come meet Dr. Facilier.
This distinction matters. Many guests were seen leaving the meet-and-greet line once they realized it was not the immersive parlor experience. Knowing which experience you want ahead of time helps you avoid wasting valuable onboard time.
In short, one experience delivers atmosphere and storytelling, while the other offers a classic character photo. Both have their appeal, but understanding the difference makes all the difference.
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