Okay, Disney Cruise Line… you have my attention.
Disney Cruise Line officially revealed a whole lot more about its newest ship this week, and I have to say, the Disney Believe is shaping up to be one I’m going to be watching very closely.
The fourth ship in the Wish Class, Disney Believe will set sail on its maiden voyage December 18, 2027, from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. The ship will offer four- and five-night cruises to The Bahamas and Caribbean, with itineraries visiting Disney Castaway Cay and/or Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. General booking opens October 19, 2026, with earlier booking windows for eligible Castaway Club members and other affinity groups.
But honestly?
The itinerary isn’t even the part I’m most excited about.
It’s what’s happening on the ship.
Related article: Disney Cruise Linge Planning: Top Tips and Tricks
Planning a Disney Vacation? Start Here!
Whether you’re dreaming of Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort, having a good plan can make all the difference.
If you’re just getting started, my Disney vacation planning guides are designed to help you navigate the big decisions—from choosing when to visit and where to stay to understanding tickets, dining, transportation, and so much more.
Planning a Walt Disney World vacation?
→ Explore the Walt Disney World Vacation Planning Guide
Planning a Disneyland vacation?
→ Explore the Disneyland Vacation Planning Guide
Not sure which destination is right for your family? Start with both guides and see which Disney experience feels like the best fit for your next vacation!
Moana Takes Center Stage
Disney has already teased us with the Moana-inspired Grand Hall, and now we know even more about what that space will look like.
Moana, Pua and Heihei will welcome guests into the heart of the ship, surrounded by details inspired by the Pacific Islands and the ocean. There’s an ocean-hued carpet with bioluminescent colors, ceiling details inspired by the night sky, and a chandelier designed to evoke the movement of the sea—with the heart of Te Fiti hidden within it.
And I LOVE this choice.
Moana feels like such a natural fit for the Disney Believe. The entire idea behind this ship is believing in yourself, following your dreams and venturing beyond what you already know.
If you’re going to build a ship around the idea of believing, I’m not sure you could pick a better character to greet guests than Moana.
And yes, I’m already imagining walking into that Grand Hall for the first time.
Encanto Is Coming to the Stage
Here’s another big one:
Encanto is getting its own Broadway-style production aboard the Disney Believe.
Disney Encanto will debut exclusively on the ship and will be the first stage adaptation of the Academy Award-winning film.
The production will follow Mirabel as she works to save her family and their miraculous home, incorporating Colombian cultural influences, colorful costumes, traditional dance styles and, of course, some of the songs we all know entirely too well.
And yes…
“We Don’t Talk About Bruno” is coming with it.
Along with “Surface Pressure” and other favorites from the film, the show will bring the world of the Madrigals to the Walt Disney Theatre in a completely new way.
As someone who loves Disney Cruise Line’s Broadway-style entertainment, this is probably one of the announcements I’m most curious to see come to life.
Big Hero 6 Is Getting Even More Love
And can we talk about Big Hero 6 for a minute?
Because Disney clearly hasn’t forgotten about Baymax.
The Disney Adventure brought Big Hero 6 to the forefront with San Fransokyo Street, including Baymax Cinemas, Big Hero Arcade and opportunities to interact with Baymax. Disney Destiny also incorporated Big Hero 6 into its stateroom theming and animation artwork.
Now the Disney Believe is adding Big Hero Sips, a new coffee shop inspired by San Fransokyo and the world of Big Hero 6.
Coffee + Baymax?
I’m listening.
Big Hero Sips will serve coffee, tea and specialty beverages, alongside Café Kakamora, a second new café inspired by the mischievous coconut creatures from Moana.
I’m loving the continued Big Hero 6 presence across the newest Disney ships. It is one of those Disney stories that has such a devoted following, and I’m glad we’re seeing more than just a character meet-and-greet nod.
And Yes… The Haunted Mansion Parlor Is Coming Back
Disney knows a hit when it discovers one.
The Haunted Mansion Parlor was introduced aboard the Disney Treasure and proved to be one of those spaces that immediately got people talking.
So naturally…
It’s coming back on the Disney Believe.
The immersive bar inspired by the beloved Disney Parks attraction will once again give adults a chance to step into the world of the Haunted Mansion while enjoying a selection of themed drinks and entertainment.
I am absolutely not mad about this decision.
Some concepts are so good that you don’t need to fix them.
You just need to give people another opportunity to enjoy them.
And apparently Disney agrees.
Related article: The New Disney Treasure Cruise Ship: A Magical Adventure Awaits
Dining: Some New, Some Very Familiar
The Disney Believe will introduce several new dining experiences, including Oaken’s Table: A Frozen Family Feast.
This new Frozen-inspired dinner will bring guests into Oaken’s world for an all-new story featuring Oaken, Anna and Kristoff, along with music inspired by the Frozen films.
The ship will also feature returning favorites including 1923 and Worlds of Marvel, continuing the rotational dining experience found aboard the other Wish Class ships.
And for the adults?
I’m particularly happy to see the return of:
Palo Steakhouse.
Enchanté by Chef Arnaud.
The Rose.
Those signature dining options give the Believe the opportunity to combine all of the family-friendly entertainment and immersive theming with some really lovely adults-only experiences.
That’s one of the things I appreciate about Disney Cruise Line in general.
You can absolutely build a vacation around your kids…
while still remembering that the adults came on vacation too.
Related article: Disney Cruises Aren’t Just for Kids: The Ultimate Adult Escape at Sea
The Staterooms Are Getting a New Look
I’m also really liking what I’m seeing from the new stateroom designs.
Disney Believe’s accommodations will feature papercut-style artwork inspired by stories including Moana, Coco and The Lion King, bringing Disney storytelling into the rooms without making them feel like you’re sleeping inside a theme park attraction.
That distinction matters to me.
I love Disney theming.
But I also want my room to feel like a place where I can actually relax after a full day onboard.
The Believe appears to be finding that balance.
For concierge guests, the theming continues with Peter Pan-inspired accommodations and an Alice in Wonderland-inspired Concierge Lounge. There will also be seven special oceanview rooms inspired by Pixar’s Toy Story.
And then there’s…
The Believe Tower Suite
Disney is going big with this one.
The Believe Tower Suite will be a nearly 2,000-square-foot, two-story suite located within the forward funnel.
It will sleep up to eight guests and feature two bedrooms, four-and-a-half bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the open horizon.
But my favorite part?
Each room will be inspired by a different themed land from Magic Kingdom Park, with additional details including fireworks- and balloon-inspired lighting and artwork featuring Cinderella Castle.
Because apparently Disney looked at the concept of a cruise ship suite and said…
“What if we put Magic Kingdom in it?”
I’m not complaining.
And There’s Plenty More
The Disney Believe isn’t just about the headline attractions.
Families will find:
- Tangled: The Musical, with a reimagined set and special effects
- Disney Seas the Adventure
- A new Zootopia-inspired entertainment hub called Gazelle
- A new Zootopia family show featuring Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde
- Pirate’s Rockin’ Parlay Party
- Hero Zone
- Disney Uncharted Adventure
- Wonderland and Never Land Cinemas
- AquaMouse
- Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods
- A new Pluto’s Pita Platters food stall
- Monsters, Inc.-themed entrance to Disney’s Oceaneer Club
- It’s a Small World Nursery
- Edge, Vibe and The Hideaway for older kids
And for adults, there are even more spaces to explore, including Sea Notes, a Little Mermaid-inspired piano lounge; Wishing Well, inspired by Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs; and Skygazers, an observatory-themed pub.
So… Do I Believe?
I think the answer is pretty obvious.
Yes.
What I like most about the Disney Believe isn’t any one attraction, restaurant or character.
It’s the way Disney is tying the entire ship together around a single idea: belief.
Believing in yourself.
Believing in your dreams.
Believing that there’s something waiting beyond the horizon.
And then they’re taking that idea and layering it into the stories, entertainment, dining, staterooms and spaces throughout the ship.
That’s what Disney does best when it gets it right.
And from what we’ve seen so far?
I think they may have gotten this one very, very right.
The Disney Believe begins sailing December 18, 2027, from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, with four- and five-night sailings to The Bahamas and Caribbean. General booking opens October 19, 2026.
Continue Planning Your Disney Vacation
There’s always more to learn before your Disney vacation! Keep exploring with these helpful Disney vacation planning resources:
- Using a Travel Planner for Your Disney Destination
- How Much Does it Really Cost to Visit Disney World
- Your Guide to Disney Special Ticketed Events
- Your Beginners Guide to Lightning Lane Services
Want to go back to the beginning?
Visit my Walt Disney World Vacation Planning Guide or Disneyland Vacation Planning Guide for a complete collection of planning resources.
Ready to Talk Disney Cruise Line?
If you’re already looking ahead to 2027 and wondering whether the Disney Believe belongs on your vacation list, let’s talk about it.
I can help you look at the ship, the itinerary, the stateroom options and the overall vacation picture to decide whether it’s the right fit for your family.
Because sometimes the best vacation isn’t about doing everything.
It’s about finding the things that matter most to you and making sure you’re spending your vacation dollars there.
Get Disney Planning Tips in Your Inbox
Subscribe to the Vacation Planning Insider for a free weekly newsletter featuring Disney and Universal updates, vacation planning tips, and helpful information to make planning your next trip easier.
Keep Planning with KC’s Corner Views
Subscribe to KC’s Corner Views on YouTube for weekly Disney and Universal vacation tips, resort reviews, park updates, and helpful planning information.
Whether you’re ready to book or simply gathering ideas, I’m here to help you make the most of your next Disney vacation.
