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.
Disney Believe’s first of three gigablocks has been completed and floated out at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. The approximately 144,000-gross-ton ship, designed for up to 4,000 guests, is scheduled to enter Disney Cruise Line’s fleet in late 2027, although an exact debut date, homeport and itineraries have not been announced.
The completed gigablock forms the ship’s central section and 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 and are assembled with walls, plumbing and wiring already installed. Painting, carpeting, artwork and other finishes are added during later construction phases.
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 and the balcony that will host character appearances are visible.
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 the sections are brought 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, which will use Polynesian-influenced architectural details, wave designs and water-patterned carpeting.
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 alongside silhouettes of Peter Pan, Wendy and Captain Hook.
Disney has also named Frozen, Encanto, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, The Little Mermaid and Moana among the stories that will feature in the ship’s entertainment and venues. It 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, while 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, containing two of the ship’s principal themed restaurants, will be completed last.
After the aft block is finished, the three gigablocks will be aligned and welded together to form the full ship.
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