Disney Cruise Line Just Announced Which Fan-Favorite Characters Will Grace the Bow, Stern, and Grand Hall of the Disney Believe

If you've ever stood in the atrium of a Disneycruise ship or watched the vessel glide away from port, you know that the magic begins long before you reach open water. From the breathtaking bronze statues anchoring each ship's grand lobby to the whimsical gold character sculptures decorating the stern, Disney Cruise Linehas turned nautical design into high-art storytelling.

Now, future voyagers have an enchanting new reason to start planning their late-2027 getaways.

During the star-studded " Horizons: D23 Disney Experiences Showcase" in Anaheim, Walt Disney Imagineering Portfolio Executive Creative Director Claire Weisstook the stage with host Neil Patrick Harristo unveil the signature character art, hull details, and stunning central icon for the fleet's next Wish-class vessel: the Disney Believe.

Related: Disney Reveals Next New Cruise Ship Disney Believe Arriving 2027

A Wayfinding Spirit in the Grand Hall

Like sister ships the Disney Wish , Disney Treasure , and Disney Destiny , the Disney Believe is anchored by a three-story central gathering space inspired by timeless Disney animation. On this ship, the atrium will be infused with the rich colors, textures, and ocean voyages of the South Pacific.

Front and center in the Grand Hall, a bronze cast statue will welcome guests as they step aboard: Moana, flanked by her faithful sidekicks Pua and Heihei.

"I'm excited to officially announce that Moana will be the Grand Hall icon on the Disney Believe," Weiss announced to the D23 crowd. "Hers is an epic adventure story that is all about exploring the seas and believing in yourself. So she couldn't be a more perfect fit for this ship. And I cannot wait for you all to see her in person."

Surrounding Moana, the space will feature artisanal Polynesian architectural finishes that celebrate the cultural traditions and oceanic folklore of her island home.

Related: Readers Voted This Iconic Fleet the No. 1 'World's Best' Cruise Line (Again!)

Whimsical New Hull Art from Bow to Stern

The exterior of the ship will carry on Disney's signature tradition of playful character sculptures:

• On the Stern:Stealing the show on the back of the vessel are larger-than-life sculptures of Woody and Buzz Lightyearfrom Toy Story . In a charming, toy-sized twist, the duo will appear working together to write out the ship's name using giant yellow crayons in a playful, block-style font.

• On the Bow:The front filigree will showcase Tinker Bellas she first appeared in the 1953 classic Peter Pan , surrounded by swirling golden pixie dust and the soaring silhouettes of Peter, Wendy, and Captain Hook.

As Weiss shared during the showcase, "The Disney Believe is the fourth ship in our Wish class. She's really going to bring to life her own signature identity. This ship celebrates belief in magic, in family, the power of nature, and believing in yourself. And all of the stories we'll tell onboard are really tied together by this core Disney belief of believing in something fantastical."

With venues and experiences drawing inspiration from Encanto , Frozen , Snow White , and The Little Mermaid , the Disney Believe is shaping up to be an extraordinary dream for cruise lovers when she officially sets sail in late 2027.

Related: Disney Cruise Line Just Extended Its Huge Discount—Here's How to Save Up to $1,500

This story was originally published by Parade on Aug 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.