The Disney Believe: What We Thought Vs. What We Got
My invite was apparently lost in the mail. Still, I did the next best thing: I avidly stalked my Disney Parks journalist friends and acquaintances, along with a slew of content creators, to try to cobble together what was in store for an announcement about the Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, Believe.
There was a WHOLE lot of blue sky thinking going on with attendees and armchair Imaginners like me. We all swung big with predictions that were based on perceived clues or personal preferences. Some of the guesses were right on: almost everyone figured there would be an Encanto show (either dinner theater or on the big stage – and the big stage it is), and everyone kinda figured there would be a Snow White lounge of some sort. And a Frozen experience was also a given, and Oaken’s Table: A Frozen Family Feast looks like it’ll be a hoot!
But what about the ideas people were CONVINCED were going to happen but that didn’t end up being part of the plan? Here are five of the predictions of what could have been, and hey, imagineering, if you’re reading this, maybe put these on the list for the next ship!
What was guessed: A S.E.A. (Society of Explorers and Adventurers Lounge). Both Carly Caramanna and I were REALLY rooting for this one; it seemed like an ideal fit for a cruise ship. I mean SEA is in their name!
What we are getting: The Wishing Well. Snow White is a perfect theme; historic, beautiful, iconic. There will be a romantic mix of white flowers and ruby red apples, and the furniture will be inspired by the colors of Snow White’s gown. The hand-carved wood framing will evoke the Seven Dwarfs’ cottage. It was hinted that the Evil Queen’s presence may haunt the space, too.
What was guessed: A Nightmare Before Christmas lounge. This seems like such a natural fit for a ship, but I could see how it might be viewed as too seasonal and only perceived as relevant during the Halloween to Christmas season; it would be an incredibly fun space and a theme that has been done by enterprising bar owners in San Francisco and San Diego with great success.
What we are getting: The Haunted Mansion Parlor. Not gonna lie, I am not sad about this one big. The Haunted Mansion Parlor is so perfectly executed with so many Easter eggs that it makes sense to make it in triplicate.
What was guessed: Snuggly Duckling Pub. When I first saw Tangled when it debuted, you 2010, and saw the Snuggly Duckling Pub, I so wanted to go there, dangerous clientele and all. But after 16 years, it looks like I’ll have to wait a bit longer; still, “I have a dream.” Yes, there is the Snuggly Duckling Pub takeover on the Tangled show nights, but the theming could be great as an ongoing installation.
What we are getting: Stargazers. “Towering bookshelves, astronomical instruments and celestial maps, including props and nods to classic Disney stories, will adorn the walls of this astronomer’s laboratory,” Disney Cruise Line states. So, I am going to keep hoping that there is a S.E.A. tie-in here. There could be tie-ins with S.E.A. characters such as Mary Oceaneer, since the stars did help sea captains navigate.
What was guessed: Carlye Wisel was wildly enthusiastic when she thought she’d landed on the fine-dining theme. She knew Snow White would appear on the ship and was convinced 1923 would continue to harken back to old Hollywood, with one room as a tribute to Snow White and the other to Fantasia.
What are we getting: Classic 1923. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it. The Believe will host 1923 as seen on its sister ships, celebrating Walt Disney animation with over 1,000 drawings and props.
What was guessed: Monsters Inc, Sweet Shop – The hues of Monsters, Inc. really lend themselves to candy. Think Sully-colored cotton candy and gummies shaped like Mike Wazowski. There could also be a whole lot of fun making monstrous-looking treats!
What we are getting: Inside Out: Joyful Sweets. An Inside Out-themed candy shop exists on the Disney Wish, but the Believe will host new characters such as Anxiety.
Even though our wild guesses didn’t come true, what will be on the Believe sounds just as magical as one could hope.
Disney’s Believe will make her maiden voyage on December 18, 2027, with four- and five-night cruises in the Bahamas and Caribbean, departing from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Bookings begin on October 19th, 2026.
Photos via Disney Cruise Line