Disney Believe’s First Gigablock Floats Out in Germany
The completed central section contains the Grand Hall, where Disney plans a Moana statue with Pua and Heihei in a Polynesian-influenced multilevel space.
Updated September 25, 2026
Meyer Werft has completed and floated out Disney Believe’s first of three gigablocks at its shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. The approximately 144,000-gross-ton ship will accommodate 2,500 guests at double occupancy and up to 4,000 guests. Construction remains on schedule for the ship to enter Disney Cruise Line’s fleet in late 2027. Disney has not announced an exact debut date, homeport or itineraries.
The completed gigablock forms the ship’s central section, which contains the Grand Hall and adjoining spaces. Disney Believe will be the fourth Wish-class vessel, following Disney Wish, Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny.
Midship section begins outfitting
Individual gigablocks can weigh more than 31,000 tons. They are assembled with walls, plumbing and wiring already installed. Painting and carpeting come later, along with artwork and other finishes.
Photos released by Disney Cruise Line show lifeboat davits fitted to the first section, though the lifeboats have not yet been installed. Inside the unfinished Grand Hall, the deck structure is visible, as is the balcony that will host character appearances.
The float-out follows the start of steel cutting in August 2025, when material preparation and assembly began. Gigablock construction allows separate teams to fabricate and outfit large portions of the vessel concurrently before bringing the sections together.
Disney details the ship’s theming
Disney disclosed the Grand Hall concept in August 2026. A bronze statue of Moana, accompanied by Pua and Heihei, will occupy the multilevel space. The architecture will include Polynesian-influenced details and wave designs, while the carpeting will feature a water pattern.
The ship’s exterior artwork will include Woody and Buzz Lightyear writing its name with oversized yellow crayons on the stern. Tinker Bell will lead the bow artwork, which will also feature silhouettes of Peter Pan and Wendy, as well as Captain Hook.
Disney has also named the stories that will feature in the ship’s entertainment and venues: Frozen, Encanto, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, The Little Mermaid and Moana. Disney has not disclosed the full venue lineup.
The line has not identified Disney Believe’s rotational dining restaurants. Each of the first three Wish-class ships includes Worlds of Marvel and 1923. The third principal restaurant differs by ship: Arendelle aboard Disney Wish, Plaza de Coco on Disney Treasure and Pride Lands on Disney Destiny.
Forward and aft gigablocks are next
Meyer Werft will assemble the forward gigablock next, including the main show theater and several lounges. The aft section will be completed last and will contain two of the ship’s principal themed restaurants. After the aft block is finished, Meyer Werft will align and weld the three gigablocks together to form the full ship.
More Disney ships planned through 2030
Another Wish-class ship is being built for Japan’s Oriental Land Company and is scheduled to enter service in 2029. Disney’s subsequent class will consist of smaller, approximately 105,000-gross-ton ships also built by Meyer Werft. Two are scheduled to enter service in 2029, followed by another in 2030.
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