The Disney Believe sets sail on its inaugural sailing in December 2027. Yesterday (October 7, 2026), Disney hosted an announcement show aboard the Disney Wish, sharing new updates about the Disney Believe, including the names of select shows and dining locations, design concepts for the ship’s staterooms, and select entertainment. In this episode, we discuss what was just announced about the Disney Believe. In addition, we discuss new holiday overlays coming to Walt Disney World this 2026 holiday season.
Get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, in-depth news analysis, and premium content at patreon.com/imaginationskyway.
To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.
Read Matt’s Imagineering column in WDW Magazine.
Imagination Skyway is a Disney Parks and Imagineering podcast. Episodes explore attraction design, recap Disney news, and dive into the stories behind the magic, including interviews with Disney Imagineers, Disney Legends, and other Disney creators. Not affiliated with or endorsed by The Walt Disney Company. Disney is a trademark of The Walt Disney Company.
Tag me and join the conversation below.
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/imaginationskyway
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/imaginationskyway
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationskyway
- Email: matthew.krul@imaginationskyway.com
How to Support the Show
- Share the podcast with your friends
- Rate and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
- Join our Patreon Group – https://www.patreon.com/imaginationskyway
Enjoy the show!
Transcript (Auto-Generated):
This week, Disney Cruise Line revealed more details about their latest cruise ship. And well, you’re not gonna believe it. It’s Thursday, October eighth, and sorry for the pun at the beginning of this episode, but there’s a lot of belief tied into the theme of this newest cruise ship, the Disney Believe. This is the fourth version of the Disney Wish class fleet. So you have the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, Disney Destiny, and now the Disney Believe. Yesterday, Disney Parks hosted a ship announcement aboard the Disney wish. They actually invited a number of creators to board the Disney wish for a voyage and discover clues on the scavenger hunt throughout the ship. It was a lot of fun seeing some of my friends go out and explore the Disney wish and try to figure out what they could identify and what clues they put together for the things that might be coming to the Disney believe. But as of yesterday, October seventh, Disney Cruise Line did host this live thirty minutes unveiling of announcements. It was almost like a mini Disney Parks panel at D23 aboard the Disney Wish, where they first announced that the maiden voyage for the Disney believe will happen on December eighteenth, twenty twenty seven. That’s just a little more than a year away, and its first port of call is going to be Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and where there’s going to be different combinations of voyages that you will be able to take. Now we’re going to run through some of the announcements from this presentation, and then I’m going to pivot, because there are a couple of additional things I want to discuss that were also news this week. So let’s first start with the Grand Hall. Disney had previously announced that the Disney believe would be inspired by Moana, and now, according to Disney Parks Blog, quote, the heart of the ship will be an architectural meeting of the sky and sea, with details inspired by the film and its Pacific Islands setting. From carpet adorned with ocean hues to the ceiling scattered with constellations and drillings inspired by designs found within Moana’s skirt, the sea will most certainly call you to this central gathering place. Not to be missed will be the Grand Hall’s chandelier, which is modeled after the ocean’s fluid movement as it has the heart of Te Fiti hidden within. Now, when we move into some of the additional details for this ship, we’re going to move over to the wishing well. Now, this is inspired by the storybook world of Snow White, and it will be a lounge inspired by the animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. As Disney Parks blog says, quote. Within this space, you’ll find three distinct settings inspired by Walt Disney’s first full length animated movie. The bar space will evoke the film’s gothic castle and will feature a beautiful stained glass art piece mimicking the castle windows in the seating area. You will enter the enchanting castle courtyard under a canopy of white blossoms and red apples, with the colors of Snow White’s gown incorporated into the furnishings. Lastly, the performance area will feature hand carved wood framing, paying homage to the Seven Dwarfs cottage. Now, there’s also I should say that in each one of these Disney Parks blog announcements, there are different questions about belief. So the first one, which I just talked about with the Moda Central inspiration for the Grand Hall, says, do you believe in the power of nature? The Snow White Wishing Well lounge says, do you believe in the impossible? This next one is do you believe in each other? Because this is going to be a space inspired by Zootopia. Called gazelle, which is going to be their entertainment hub. So in this space, which is inspired by the bustling metropolis from Zootopia’s films, there’s going to be home to a variety of family fun for guests of all ages, by day and at night, as the sun goes down, it’s going to host adult adult exclusive entertainment. And for the first time on Disney Cruise Line, you will get to meet Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde as they join in on the fun with a brand new family show where you can put your detective skills to the test to help the dynamic duo solve their latest case. Turning over to some of the dining as well, you can ask this question do you believe in yourself? That’s the question posed by the Disney Parks blog. There’s going to be this new treat location with throughout other Disney Cruise Line ships. They have them as well. But here on the Disney believe it’s going to be inspired by Inside Out and called Inside Out Joyful Sweets. It’s a returning favorite that will feature sculptural additions from Inside Out two, including anxiety, envy and the quote, sense of self structure alongside the movie’s beloved characters joy and sadness. It’s going to draw inspiration from the emotions headquarters, and it will fill your taste buds with a reimagined and delicious selection of treats, including nearly twenty flavors of gelato and ice cream, daily handcrafted gelato specials, and a colorful lineup of signature sweets. Now on other Disney wish. Like other ships like the Disney Wish, you can experience a frozen inspired dinner show. There’s going to be a brand new untold chapter of the frozen story on the Disney believe called Oceans Table a frozen family Feast. And by the way, the question here is do you believe in the power of music? Now this is a new restaurant coming to the Disney believe it’s going to be nestled deep within a forest. You’ll discover oaken and his cousins in a Scandinavian summerhouse courtyard. Throughout your meal, you’ll be invited to join Oaken’s family for not only a feast, but also rousing, reimagined renditions of famous tunes from the popular frozen soundtracks, along with special appearances from frozen friends like Anna and Kristoff. Now on the Disney Destiny, you might remember that there is that Cruella de Vil Lounge. While there’s a similar lounge that’s going to be here, the question Disney Parks blog is posing is do you believe in the voice within? Because just off the Grand hall, you’re going to continue continue your ocean journey, but this time Under the Sea at the Iridescent Piano Lounge inspired by Ariel’s Grotto, it’s going to be called Sea Notes. This lounge blends contemporary design with the whimsical artistry from the beloved Disney animation film The Little Mermaid, with a pearlescent piano, one of Ariel’s forgotten treasures at the center of the space, along with nods to both the film and the movie’s ocean setting, the piano lounge will be filled with nostalgic melodies and an expertly crafted menu of cocktails and non-alcoholic sips. Next question posed by Disney do you believe in a place for grown up dreamers to dream? Because there’s going to be an observatory themed pub called Skygazers that will welcome dreamers and wish makers alike to gather beneath the evening sky. Within this astronomer’s laboratory, you’ll find bookshelves filled with astronomy, astronomical instruments, celestial maps and hidden props and nods to classic Disney stories where the characters wished upon stars of their own. With a thematic menu of custom made craft brews, specialty cocktails, and light bites, this will be the perfect spot to watch live sports broadcasts or ponder your dreams. Next, we have more information about the staterooms coming to the Disney Believe with the question being asked here. Do you believe in the power of optimism? Sweet dreams await on the Disney believe with all new paper cut style artwork evoking classic Disney stories, the staterooms will spark imagination in rooms inspired by characters and stories like Moana, Coco and Inside Out, and there’s some artwork you can look at. There’s a Moana inspired artwork behind some of the beds and walls, as well as. Again, this paper cut inspired, Look to some of the artwork that’s there. Now, if you’re thinking about a concierge level stay, you can enjoy either the whimsical world of Neverland with theming inspired by the Disney animation classic Peter Pan, or within several special Oceanview rooms above the bridge, the playful spirit of Pixar’s Toy Story. Now, of course, there’s going to be a number of lounges that you can enjoy here as well. But first about the staterooms themselves, they’re going to. Most are going to include a sweeping view of the ocean. Seventy percent are going to include a spacious veranda, and there are going to be more than four hundred and fifty connecting doors to accommodate larger families. Now, thinking about the suites, these are the ones that we would always dream to stay in. There are going to be two new royal suites the Royal Reef Suite, themed to The Little Mermaid and the Royal Rose suite, inspired by beauty and the beast. Each is going to incorporate elegant designs with nods to both of these classic films scattered throughout. And again, Disney Parks Blog has some concept art that you can look at on the latest article. Now there’s also going to be a tower suite, an exclusive to the Disney believe it will be the Believe Tower suite. This one looks great for parks fans. It’s a one of a kind suite that sleeps eight. Drawing inspiration from the timeless world of fantasy, promise and possibility that is Magic Kingdom Park with each of its rooms modeled after the different themed lands. The two story suite is situated in the forward funnel and will feature unique elements hinting at the cherished park, including fireworks and balloon inspired light fixtures, and a magical art piece depicting Cinderella Castle. There’s an image of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad behind this brown couch. There is these this like palm tree Adventureland inspired room. There is this gorgeous what looks like a almost it’s a small world style fantasy room, but it’s just like classic modern. Um, nods to that Mary Blair style without being too colorful. It still has this this bold, like, white and gold appearance to it. And I’m excited to see some of the other concept art, too. Now there are two shows to discuss. The first is the show from the Disney magic. Tangled the musical is going to join the Walt Disney Theater lineup on the Disney believe with a reimagined set design and special effects. The second show, which Disney is asking do You Believe in Miracles, is going to be themed after Encanto. It’s going to debut exclusively on the Disney Believe in the Walt Disney Theater, and it will follow Mirabel on her quest to save her loved ones and their magical home. The diverse tropical landscape and rich cultures of Colombia will shine through the productions vibrant costuming, scenic set design, and joyful fusion of traditional dance styles. And yes, we can finally talk about Bruno and Disney legend. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hits from the film will be part of the show’s soundtrack. For coffee lovers, Next question. Do you believe in the power of coffee? Because there will be two new hangouts coming to the Disney Believe with big Hero sips and Cafe Kakamora. Big hero six Big Hero SIPs will draw inspiration from San Fransokyo from Big Hero six, while Cafe Kakamora is of course going to be inspired by those curious pirate coconut creatures from Moana. And each of these cafes will serve up a tasty selection of coffee, tea and specialty beverages to enjoy throughout the trip. There are going to be returning favorites to the Disney believes, such as the nineteen twenty three restaurant and Worlds of Marvel that you can find on the other wish class ships and the Haunted Mansion parlor is also going to return for a brand new selection of ghoulish delights for its thirsty visitors. And within the Walt Disney Theater, Disney sees the adventure and original stage show for the Wish Class will dazzle audiences with performances featuring beloved Disney and Pixar characters and iconic songs. Railings for general bookings can begin or bookings for general sailings. I should say. General bookings for sailings can start on or do start on October nineteenth twenty twenty six for Again voyages kicking off on December eighteenth, twenty twenty seven out of Port Everglades in Florida for both four and five night sailings to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. So of course, this is the major focus I wanted for this news episode. Let me know your thoughts about the Disney believe. But before we end this episode, there are two things I do want to add. First, as of today, October eighth, you can officially book stays at Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge starting July first, twenty twenty seven on the Walt Disney World website. So if you haven’t done that, go and check it out. There is a very wide range of room options, which Joanna and I spoke about in our last episode about our Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge preview. There’s a number that are available. I’m not even going to read through all of them. But I will say, if you’re interested in Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge, please do be sure to go check that out on the Walt Disney World website. The last piece of news I wanted to share is that there are two holiday overlays coming to attractions at Walt Disney World. The first one I was hoping for and we’re getting it. Rock n Roller Coaster starring the Muppets is getting a, quote, obligatory holiday overlay. It’s a limited time experience that’s going to be turning the already legendary concert into a festive celebration, filled with seasonal tunes and new surprises. So you’re going to get in. Once you’re inside G-Force records, you’re going to find the Electric Mayhem, rehearsing for their holiday spectacular, putting on finishing touches of their seasonal set list. There are going to be a few familiar Muppets stopping by the studio to offer a helping hand, or at least try to. There’s actually a photo of Gonzo and Rizzo in their Muppet Christmas Carol gear. So let’s hope that that’s going to show up in this version. And here’s the, uh, the set list that’s going to be a part of the obligatory holiday overlay. Holiday road, which is the Electric mayhem featuring Kermit the Frog and Fozzie Bear. Christmas baby, Please Come Home with. Which is the Electric Mayhem featuring Jennifer Hudson. Silver bells, which is the Electric mayhem featuring Cyndi Lauper and Little Saint Nick, which is just the electric mayhem. So this is going to be there for the holiday season. Stay tuned and make sure if you are going to Disney’s Hollywood Studios this holiday season to enjoy this new attraction or this overlay of this attraction from November fourth through January sixth over at Epcot from November twenty fifth through January sixth. Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind is going to give guests the opportunity to defend the galaxy to the tune of three holiday songs and here they are. It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the year. By Andy Williams, Christmas Eve, Sarajevo twelve twenty four by Trans-Siberian orchestra and Christmas wrapping by the waitress. So sorry by the waitresses. So you can check that out again on November twenty fifth through January sixth this holiday season. Let me know which of these soundtracks you’d be most excited to hear. And if you are going to either one of these destinations this holiday season, what you’re most looking forward to as you head to Walt Disney World for the holidays? That’s it for this news episode. As always, you can subscribe on Patreon for ad free episodes and bonus content at patreon dot com slash skyway. And if you are still looking for help booking this trip for the holiday season or any future travel, reach out to our travel partners at KMV travel dot com slash skyway. Thank you so much for listening to the show. And remember, as always, to keep moving forward.