Disney Believe Update: First Gigablock Floats Out as New Disney Cruise Ship Takes Shape

September 18, 2026

Disney Believe Update First Gigablock Floats out As New Disney Cruise Ship Takes Shape

Big news is coming out of Germany today for Disney Cruise Line fans, and this one is a milestone worth celebrating. The Disney Believe, the newest ship coming to the Disney Cruise Line fleet, is officially taking shape at the Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenburg, Germany — and the first major construction milestone has just been reached.

Disney Believe Update First Gigablock Floats out As New Disney Cruise Ship Takes Shape

What Is a Gigablock?

Earlier today, the first of three gigablocks for the Disney Believe was completed and floated out of the shipyard. If you are not familiar with the term, here is a great way to think about it. Building a cruise ship is a lot like putting together a giant three-dimensional puzzle. Instead of constructing the entire ship in one piece, shipbuilders create the vessel in massive sections called gigablocks — each one complete with walls, plumbing, and wiring already in place. These sections can weigh over 31,000 tons, and once they are all finished, they are welded together like puzzle pieces to complete the ship.

The Genie Transportation Services

Disney believe gigablock disney parks blog

This first gigablock contains the midship of the Disney Believe, which will be home to some familiar spaces including the Grand Hall. Next up will be the forward portion of the ship, followed by the aft section.

What to Expect From the Disney Believe

Setting sail in late 2027, the Disney Believe is shaping up to be something truly special. The ship will feature brand new one of a kind venue concepts and entertainment experiences inspired by some of Disney’s most beloved stories, including Encanto, Frozen, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Moana, and The Little Mermaid. That is a lineup that is going to make this ship a must-sail for Disney fans of all ages.

Disney believe gigablock

Disney has also launched a Ship’s Log on the Disney Parks Blog, inviting fans to follow along as the Disney Believe comes to life. That means virtual looks inside the building dock at Meyer Werft, peeks at the sketchpads of Disney artists, behind-the-scenes moments from rehearsals for Broadway-style stage shows, and much more as teams across Disney Cruise Line, Walt Disney Imagineering, and Disney Live Entertainment all work together to bring this ship to life.

We will be keeping a close eye on this one and bringing you every update right here at The Main Street Mouse. Are you already dreaming of sailing on the Disney Believe? Let us know in the comments!


You May Also Enjoy: Disney Cruise Line Returns to New York City and Announces Exciting Fall 2027 and Spring 2028 Itineraries

author avatar
Scott Atwood Co-Owner, Writer, Webmaster
Scott Atwood is the Co-Owner, Co-Creator, and Webmaster of The Main Street Mouse, one of Florida's leading Disney and theme park news sources. With an 18-year background in technical support and systems management, Scott brings a detail-oriented, research-driven approach to everything he does — from managing the technical infrastructure of TMSM to covering the latest Disney news, Marvel updates, and technology developments. As Project Planner and Business Relations Manager for TMSM, Scott works behind the scenes to ensure the site runs smoothly while also contributing articles on topics he's passionate about — including Star Wars, Marvel, Disney Parks, and the latest in tech and pop culture. What started as a hobby alongside his wife Michele has grown into a full-time labor of love, reaching Disney fans across the country every day. Scott is also Co-Host of the TMSM Weekly Podcast and Co-Owner of the House of Mouse Expo. He feels blessed to spend his days doing what he loves alongside his best friend and partner in all things Disney.


Mouse Fan Travel® an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, has been planning and creating magical Disney vacations since 2005. Their mission is to provide premium service and expert advice to help you get the most for your vacation time and dollar. Their Disney Travel Agents operate with the highest degree of integrity and will handle your family vacation, reunion, honeymoon, corporate incentive trip or getaway, as if it were their own. They pride themselves on expertly representing and advocating for you – their client.

The next time you and your family are planning a Disney vacation, visit Mouse Fan Travel for your no obligation quote or to answer any Disney vacation questions you may have. Are you looking for a beach vacation, tour or cruise to destinations across the globe? Visit MEI-Travel for exceptional expertise with ZERO agency fees.