Disney Cruise Line Shares New Ship Details at D23

Disney Cruise Line had several exciting updates to share at D23, giving fans a first look at the Disney Believe and an early preview of a new class of ships arriving later this decade.

DVC Fan was live at D23 bringing us the latest announcements. Here is a look at what was revealed and what it could mean for Disney Vacation Club Members planning future vacations.

New Details About the Disney Believe

The Disney Believe is scheduled to set sail in late 2027 as the fourth ship in the Wish class, joining the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny.

The ship will be built around the idea of believing in magic, family, nature, and yourself. Stories and characters from Moana, Encanto, Frozen, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and The Little Mermaid will help bring that theme to life throughout the ship.

At D23, Disney shared a first look at several of the details that will make the Disney Believe unique.

Moana Takes Center Stage in the Grand Hall

Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

The Grand Hall will draw inspiration from the world of Moana and the film’s spirit of exploration.

A bronze statue of Moana, joined by Pua and Heihei, will be the centerpiece of the space. The surrounding design will feature South Pacific influences and artisan details intended to honor the culture and traditions of the region.

The Grand Hall has become an important part of the identity of each Wish class ship, and this first look gives us a good sense of the story Disney wants to tell aboard the Disney Believe.

Woody and Buzz Are Heading to the Stern

Disney Cruise Line also revealed the character artwork planned for the exterior of the ship.

Woody and Buzz Lightyear will appear on the stern, working together to write the Disney Believe’s name with oversized yellow crayons. Instead of the traditional script used on other Disney Cruise Line ships, the name will feature lettering inspired by the familiar block style of the Toy Story films.

It is a fun departure from what we have seen on the rest of the fleet and gives the Disney Believe some personality before guests even step aboard.

Tinker Bell Will Appear on the Bow

Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

Tinker Bell will be featured in the decorative artwork on the ship’s bow as she appeared in Disney Animation’s 1953 classic, Peter Pan.

The design will also include silhouettes of Peter Pan, Wendy, Captain Hook, and other familiar characters flying through the filigree.

More details about the Disney Believe will be announced as the ship’s late 2027 debut gets closer. You can follow the latest Disney Believe updates on Disney Parks Blog.

More Disney Cruise Line Sailings From San Diego

Disney Cruise Line is also expanding its presence on the West Coast by doubling the number of sailings departing from San Diego.

This is especially welcome news for DVC Members in California and throughout the western United States who want more opportunities to sail without traveling to Florida. San Diego itineraries currently include shorter cruises to Catalina Island and Ensenada, along with longer sailings to destinations such as Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta.

Combined with the announcement of a new class of ships, this expansion shows that Disney Cruise Line is focused on reaching more guests through a wider variety of departure ports and itineraries.

Disney Cruise Line Is Developing a New Class of Ships

The Disney Believe was not the only cruise news shared at D23. Disney Cruise Line also announced that three ships from an entirely new class will begin debuting in 2029.

These ships will fall somewhere between the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder and the larger Wish class ships in size. That middle ground could give Disney Cruise Line more flexibility when choosing home ports and developing itineraries to new destinations.

Disney has not shared the names, themes, or itineraries for these ships yet. For now, the announcement shows just how much growth is still ahead for Disney Cruise Line.

For DVC Members, that continued expansion means even more ways to enjoy a Disney vacation outside of the resorts. We will be watching closely as additional details are announced.

Ready to Set Sail?

DVC Members who would like to use the value of their points toward a Disney Cruise Line vacation can explore the DVC Rental Store Point Swap Program.

If you would rather keep your points for future DVC stays, the team of expert travel professionals at Be Our Guest Vacations can help you find and book the right sailing for your family.

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