Disney Cruise Line finally shared more details about the Disney Believe, and while there’s plenty to look forward to, some of the announcements left fans scratching their heads. With so many Disney stories to choose from, why are we seeing so many familiar experiences making their way onto another new ship?
On this week’s DCL Show, Chris Vorobek and Elaine Edwards are sharing their reactions to the big reveal, including what they’re excited about, what surprised them, and a few decisions they really wish Disney had made differently.
Is the Disney Believe Too Much Like the Disney Wish?
The Disney Believe will be the ninth ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet and the fourth Wish-class ship. It’s scheduled to begin sailing from Fort Lauderdale on December 18, 2027, offering four- and five-night itineraries to the Bahamas and Caribbean.
We already knew the ship would feature a Moana-inspired Grand Hall, Tinker Bell on the bow, and Woody and Buzz Lightyear on the stern. What Chris and Elaine weren’t expecting was just how many familiar spaces and experiences Disney would bring back.
Chris has seen plenty of fans calling the new ship “Wish 2.0,” and after hearing the announcements, he understands why.
The Entertainment Has Some Real Bright Spots
One announcement that immediately caught Chris’s attention was a brand-new stage production of Encanto. He’s excited to see how Disney brings the Madrigal family to life in a cruise ship theater, especially considering how well the movie’s music could translate to the stage.
The Believe will also feature Tangled: The Musical, currently performed aboard the Disney Magic, along with Disney Seas the Adventure.
Chris is particularly happy about the entertainment lineup, although Elaine admits she isn’t quite as enthusiastic about sitting through multiple stage productions. Thankfully, Chris has already volunteered to keep her awake if necessary!
Some Familiar Restaurants and Lounges Are Returning
Disney Believe’s rotational dining lineup includes 1923, Worlds of Marvel, and Oaken’s Table, a new Frozen-inspired dinner experience.
Elaine loves Arendelle aboard the Disney Wish, but even she was surprised to see Disney returning to Frozen for another dinner show.
There are some interesting new lounges coming, too. C-Notes takes inspiration from The Little Mermaid, while Wishing Well brings Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs into the mix. There’s also Stargazers, a pub and trivia space, and Gazelle’s, a two-story Zootopia-themed entertainment venue.
Chris and Elaine have thoughts about all of them, including whether Disney could have done something much bigger with the Zootopia concept.
And then there’s the Haunted Mansion Parlor.
It’s already aboard the Disney Treasure and is coming to the Disney Destiny. Now it’s heading to the Believe, too. Chris isn’t happy about that decision, especially when he had something very different in mind.
You’ll definitely want to hear his reaction to this one.
Would You Book the Disney Believe?
One area where Elaine was particularly impressed was the stateroom design. The colorful artwork and character details caught her attention, although one of her favorite rooms turned out to be a little more extravagant than she expected.
Booking for the Disney Believe begins October 12, 2026, for Pearl Castaway Club members, with additional booking windows opening throughout the week. General booking opens October 19.
The five-night inaugural sailing departs December 18, 2027, and comes with some important booking restrictions.
So, is Disney Believe exciting enough to book immediately, or would you rather wait and see how everything comes together?
Chris and Elaine have plenty more to say about the new ship, including some surprises, missed opportunities, and the experiences they’re most looking forward to. Watch this week’s DCL Show below for their full discussion!
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