Disney Cruise Line is preparing to take guests beyond the horizon aboard its next new ship, the Disney Believe. Scheduled to begin sailing in late 2027, the vessel will combine new entertainment, imaginative venues and experiences inspired by some of Disney’s most beloved stories.
During the Horizons: D23 Disney Experiences Showcase on August 15, Disney shared the first look at several defining features of the ship. The new reveals included a Moana-inspired Grand Hall, Toy Story characters decorating the stern and a detailed piece of Tinker Bell artwork planned for the bow.
What Is the Disney Believe?
The Disney Believe will become the ninth ship in the growing Disney Cruise Line fleet. Disney first revealed the ship’s name during its 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders before sharing additional concept art and design details at D23.
The new vessel is being constructed at the Meyer Werft shipyard and is expected to welcome its first guests in late 2027. Disney has not yet announced its inaugural sailing date, home port or itinerary.
Disney says the ship will feature original venues and entertainment inspired by stories including:
- “Encanto”
- “Frozen”
- “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”
- “Moana”
- “The Little Mermaid”
Guests can also expect experiences drawing from the broader worlds of Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars. Disney Cruise Line
Moana Inspires the Disney Believe Grand Hall
One of the biggest reveals from D23 was the ship’s Grand Hall, which will be inspired by the adventurous and optimistic spirit of Disney Animation’s “Moana” films.
The Grand Hall serves as the visual and emotional centerpiece of Disney’s Wish-class ships. It is one of the first major spaces guests experience after boarding and frequently becomes a gathering place for entertainment, character appearances and special moments throughout a voyage.
On the Disney Believe, guests will be welcomed by a bronze-cast statue of Moana holding her oar and looking toward the horizon. Pua and Heihei will accompany her in the display.
Concept artwork shows the statue surrounded by a bright, open environment influenced by the South Pacific setting of the films. Artisanal Polynesian finishes are expected to be incorporated throughout the space, honoring the cultural traditions that helped inspire Moana’s world.
While the Grand Hall aboard the Disney Wish draws from “Cinderella,” the Disney Treasure celebrates “Aladdin,” and the Disney Destiny is inspired by “Black Panther,” the Disney Believe will use Moana’s courage and curiosity to establish the identity of the ship.
Woody and Buzz Lightyear Take Over the Stern
Disney Cruise Line ships traditionally feature beloved characters suspended from or interacting with the stern. For the Disney Believe, Woody and Buzz Lightyear are getting the assignment.
The “Toy Story” duo will appear to be hitching a ride on the back of the ship while working together to write its name using oversized yellow crayons.
The lettering will be another departure from tradition. Instead of the elegant, looping script normally used for Disney Cruise Line ship names, Woody and Buzz will create playful block-style lettering inspired by the familiar “Toy Story” logo.
The design gives the Disney Believe a lighthearted exterior detail that should be instantly recognizable as the ship sails into port.
Tinker Bell Brings Pixie Dust to the Bow
Tinker Bell will provide the finishing touch to the ship’s bow.
The Disney Believe will feature a hand-painted filigree depicting the fairy as she appeared in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 1953 classic “Peter Pan.” She will be surrounded by swirling golden details and silhouettes of Peter Pan, Wendy, Captain Hook and other characters from the animated film.
Tinker Bell has a long history as a symbol of Disney magic, making her a natural fit for a ship built around the idea of believing in something extraordinary.
The intricate bow artwork will continue the Disney Cruise Line tradition of giving every ship its own distinctive character and personality before guests even step aboard.
Belief Will Connect the Ship’s Stories
Disney Imagineers are building the vessel around different forms of belief, including belief in magic, family, nature and oneself.
“This ship celebrates belief in magic, family, the power of nature, and belief in yourself,” Portfolio Executive Creative Director Claire Weiss told the D23 audience.
That central idea will help connect stories that may otherwise appear very different. Moana’s determination to travel beyond the reef, the magical family at the heart of “Encanto” and the personal journeys found in films such as “Frozen” and “The Little Mermaid” all explore characters discovering the courage to believe in themselves or something greater.
Rather than limiting the Disney Believe to one film or franchise, Disney can use that theme to create a collection of experiences tied together by a shared emotional message.
Disney Is Documenting the Ship’s Development
Fans will be able to follow the development of the Disney Believe through an official ship’s log published by the Disney Parks Blog.
Future updates are expected to provide behind-the-scenes access to the ship’s construction at Meyer Werft, concept work from Disney artists and rehearsals for its Broadway-style stage productions. Disney also plans to highlight the work being completed by Disney Cruise Line, Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Live Entertainment.
The ongoing updates should gradually reveal the restaurants, family entertainment, children’s areas, adult-exclusive spaces and theatrical productions being created for the ship.
Disney Cruise Line Continues Expanding
The Disney Believe is part of a major period of growth for Disney Cruise Line.
The ship will join the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny as part of the same general class of vessels, though each features its own collection of stories, characters and design choices. Disney is also developing additional ships as it expands its cruise offerings into new international markets.
The growing fleet gives Disney more opportunities to create ships with distinct identities rather than repeating the same experiences across every vessel.
More Disney Believe Details Are Coming
The Moana-inspired Grand Hall, playful Toy Story stern and Tinker Bell bow provide an early look at the personality Disney is developing for the Disney Believe. However, many of the most important details—including the ship’s restaurants, stage shows, itineraries, home port and exact maiden voyage—have not yet been announced.
With the ship not scheduled to set sail until late 2027, Disney has plenty more to reveal. If the first concept art is any indication, the Disney Believe will celebrate the courage to explore, the importance of family and the kind of magic that begins when someone believes the impossible might be possible.
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