Disney Cruise Line reveals Disney Believe ship launching in late 2027

DCL-Disney Cruise Line has released further details on Disney Believe, the fourth vessel in its Wish-class fleet, which is scheduled to enter service in late 2027. The ship will continue the class's approach of combining cruise operations with distinctive Disney storytelling, with its design centred on the theme of promise and possibility.

The new vessel will feature a Grand Hall inspired by Moana, while Peter Pan's Tinker Bell will serve as the bow character and Toy Story characters Woody and Buzz Lightyear will be represented at the stern. The ship will also incorporate stories and characters from across Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars.

Disney Cruise Line is continuing its broader fleet expansion, with a new class of ships planned to debut from 2029. These vessels are expected to occupy an intermediate position within the fleet, larger than the company's classic ships but smaller than the newer Wish-class vessels. The expansion forms part of a programme that is expected to bring the fleet to 13 ships in the coming years.

The cruise announcements were presented alongside a series of developments across Disney's theme-park portfolio. At Disneyland Paris, construction is continuing on a new The Lion King-themed attraction at Disney Adventure World. The water-based ride will draw on scenes and characters from the film, including Simba, Timon, Pumbaa and Scar. A new daytime parade is also planned for 2028, while Hyperspace Mountain is set to return to the Space Mountain: De la Terre à la Lune identity.

At Walt Disney World in Florida, the Magic Kingdom is to receive a new Villains Land featuring attractions inspired by Disney villains, including a Maleficent-themed roller coaster and a ride centred on the Magic Mirror. A Cars expansion will add Cars Ridge Run Rally and Miss Fritter's Daredevil Spin-Along.

Further developments include an Indiana Jones attraction at Animal Kingdom featuring an animatronic representation of Harrison Ford, while parts of the new Monstropolis area are scheduled to open in 2027. The expansion will include a new show at the Glob Theatre featuring Mike and Sulley from Monsters, Inc. At EPCOT, Spaceship Earth is also due for its first major update in nearly two decades, bringing its presentation into the digital era.

For Disney Cruise Line, however, the principal fleet development remains Disney Believe, which will extend the Wish-class programme before the introduction of the smaller new-generation ships from 2029.