On the Disney Destiny, near the Grand Hall, you’ll find The Sanctum – Disney Cruise Line’s first-ever Doctor Strange themed lounge. And hidden among the mystical artifacts and magical props is one of the most powerful relics in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe: the Eye of Agamotto, which held the Time Stone throughout the Infinity Saga.
That’s right: Disney is hiding an Infinity Stone in plain sight on its newest cruise ship, and I couldn’t believe how easy it is to miss. I walked right past it twice before an Imagineer pointed it out to me.
But that’s not the only amazing detail found in this lounge.
I had the opportunity to interview Beth Burkhardt from Walt Disney Imagineering, creative director of The Sanctum, about the design of the space. She shared the secrets of how they created a sorcerer’s sanctuary at sea. Here’s everything you need to know about The Sanctum, including exactly where to find the Eye of Agamotto.
The Sanctum: Hidden in Plain Sight
Beth emphasized how Imagineering designed The Sanctum to feel like a sorcerer’s hangout that’s “hidden in plain sight” – just like how the New York Sanctum in the films blends in with the other buildings in Manhattan.
“In the films, the New York Sanctum looks like it could be another building in New York, but if you happen to know – if you’re a sorcerer and you know that that is the Sanctum – it truly is hidden in plain sight,” Beth explained. “We did the same thing here. At first it became a design challenge of how do we do that, but we used it as an opportunity to create a unique space on the Destiny.”
This was one of the aspects of the Sanctum that surprised me. From the initial concept art, I was expecting a hidden speakeasy vibe. But the Sanctum is open to one of the ship’s main walkways just past the Grand Hall. If you’re heading to DeVil’s, Haunted Mansion Parlor, Saga, or the Walt Disney Theater, you will walk past The Sanctum many times during your sailing.
The Sanctum is not tucked away. It’s a central hangout on the Disney Destiny, open to one of the ship’s busiest areas. But it definitely blends in with the rest of the ship. It’s not as immersive and transportive as Haunted Mansion Parlor, but it’s still incredibly well themed.
Stepping Into the Chamber of Relics
The Sanctum is inspired by the New York Sanctum and specifically the Chamber of Relics from the Doctor Strange films. As soon as you enter, you’ll recognize iconic elements from the movies.
Key Features Include:
- The mystical window with its protective seal is the bar’s main focal point – “so you know we’re protected on board the Destiny from the multiverse,” as Beth pointed out
- Books suspended between the lounge and bar area – representing where Doctor Strange studies to become a sorcerer
- The overall color palette inspired by Doctor Strange’s costume details and the interior of the Sanctum
The Hidden Movie Props You Need to Find
That design philosophy of “hidden in plain sight” applies to many of the movie replica props that are subtly woven throughout The Sanctum. Beth’s props team worked closely with Marvel Studios to source and create authentic replicas that feel true to the films.
“We work with Marvel Studios and they’re a part of the journey all the time, so we’re always reviewing items with them to make sure we’re authentic in our storytelling,” Beth told me. “We do a lot of research on the film as well and some of the archives with Marvel too, so we can see some of the concept imagery that was used to develop the films.”
The result is a treasure trove of Marvel artifacts for guests to discover, including:
- Wands of Watoomb
- The Cloak of Levitation
- Sling rings (sometimes worn by the bartenders)
- Daggers
- Various mystical tomes and spell books
But Beth emphasized that the best props are concentrated in two specific locations: the corner banquettes on either side of the bar.
“I would definitely check out some of the props in those spaces,” she said. “They’re not really Easter eggs because they’re actually in the space, but they’re fun props for guests to discover.”
Where to Find the Eye of Agamotto (The Hidden Infinity Stone)
When she pointed out where it was hidden, I couldn’t believe I had missed it. I had walked right past it twice.
Here’s exactly where to find it:
- Stand facing the bar
- Look for the banquettes (booth seating) on either side
- Head to the left banquette
- As you enter the booth, look up and to the left
- You’ll find the Eye of Agamotto sitting on the top shelf
Hidden in plain sight, just like the Sanctum itself. Most guests sit in this booth ordering mystical drinks without realizing one of the MCU’s most powerful relics is right above them.
Now you know the secret.
Sorcerer’s Spirits: The Beverages
The Sanctum storytelling extends to the beverage menu, which delivers a lot of the otherworldly feeling to the lounge. The decor, props, and theming are more subtle and don’t actually scream “magic.” The space feels like a high-end cruise ship lounge, with a mystical twist.
But the drinks? They feel like straight-up sorcery. Drinks levitate, electrify, and impossibly bubble up. Even the glasses feel like they were conjured with a spell.
I tried one cocktail: The Distortion Effect. An Old Fashioned is my go-to cocktail of choice, and this was a great twist on one. Smoky, strong, and served in a very striking glass. I would definitely order it again, but I’m also very tempted by some of the drinks with more inventive presentations.
The Sanctum Experience: Family Lounge by Day, Adult Venue by Night
One of the unique aspects of The Sanctum is how it serves different purposes throughout the day, since it is so central on the ship.
“It’s really a fun venue where guests can hang out whether they’re here hanging out with their kids for the day or enjoying a beverage at night when it’s an adult lounge space,” Beth explained. “There’s really different opportunities throughout the day.”
During my sailing on the Disney Destiny, I noticed this transformation. During the day, there was trivia for the whole family. At night, a live band rocked out, giving The Sanctum slightly more of a nightclub feel.
Sanctum: Overall Thoughts and Impressions
I think it’s really important to have the right expectations of The Sanctum. After seeing the concept art, I was expecting something much more immersive like Haunted Mansion Parlor, with magical effects taking over the whole space. That’s not the experience The Sanctum delivers.
That’s not to say The Sanctum is a disappointment in any way. It serves a different role on the Disney Destiny. It’s a very well-themed lounge that acts as a great central spot to hang out or meet up with friends. There are enough details hidden throughout that will get Marvel fans excited. But if you know nothing about the MCU, you’ll just think it’s a cool, refined space with one of the most inventive drink menus at sea.
The space? A subtle and refined Sanctum hidden in plain sight. The drinks? Pure wizardry.
For Marvel fans sailing on the Destiny, The Sanctum is an absolute must-visit. Just make sure to look up when you’re sitting in that left banquette – you’ll want to spot that Infinity Stone for yourself.
Want to try the Sanctum for yourself? Here’s how to get your drinks included (and more)
The Sanctum is just one of several themed lounges you’ll find on board the Disney Destiny. With Disney Cruise Line, your dining is included, but specialty drinks and cocktails found in these lounges cost extra. The price of drinks at The Sanctum range from $7-$25 each.
But here’s how to get these drinks and much more included in your sailing.
Book your Disney Cruise Line sailing with Vacationeer, the official travel agency of Guide2WDW, and get up to $1000 in onboard credit that can be used for specialty drinks, souvenirs, spa services and more. Plus, they’ll make sure you’re getting the best possible rate for your cruise. This offer applies to the Disney Destiny and all of Disney’s other cruise ships. Be sure to tell them Guide2WDW sent you!
Have you sailed on Disney Destiny? Did you find the Eye of Agamotto in The Sanctum? Let me know in the comments!
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