The minute guests board a Disney cruise ship, the magic begins.
However, passengers may not realize all the behind-the-scenes
work that ensures an exceptional and memorable sea voyage. Much of that
work happens when a ship goes into dry dock for routine inspections, updates
and renovations.
Each Disney ship typically enters dry dock every five years,
bringing together shipboard teams, technical experts, Walt Disney Imagineers
and skilled craftsmen to turn the vessel around in a short time. When a Disney
Cruise Line ship leaves dry dock and returns to service, guests see
refreshed spaces, updated experiences and new details.
Disney Wonder was the most recent ship to emerge from dry dock
in August 2026 with over 12 miles of new carpet, the length of 46 basketball
courts, new sustainable hull coating equal to painting 10 football fields and
more than 100 projects throughout the ship. Nearly 1,000 crew and cast members
contributed to the success of the newest dry dock project.
Enhancements aboard Disney Fantasy include the addition of a
new Cars-inspired quick service dining location, Ramone’s Cantina, updates to
Senses Spa & Salon, and the debut of the new Fantasy Tower Suite inspired
by Fantasia. Across the Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, a
refreshed Edge club welcomes tweens with a vibrant new color scheme and modular
elements adaptable for a variety of activities.
“At Disney Cruise Line, every enhancement we make begins
with a single question: How can we make the guest experience better?” said
Tracy Wilson, senior vice president and general manager, Disney Cruise Line
Operations in a statement. “These investments are designed to build upon the
experiences our guests already know and love while adding thoughtful, new
touches that make vacations even more memorable.”
Disney Imagineers help bring refreshed and reimagined spaces
to life, ensuring every enhancement reflects the creativity, craftsmanship and
attention to detail guests expect. Their work goes far beyond updating finishes
or furnishings, with teams carefully planning how each space can become more
immersive, more functional, and more engaging.
“Every dry dock is an opportunity to reinvigorate spaces
with new magic by responding to how guests use areas of the ships. We also
carefully consider blending those needs and bringing new, unique storytelling
to life on ships,” said Alexis Cummins, creative director, Walt Disney
Imagineering.
Thousands of experts work together to transform a ship over
a carefully planned timeline. Marine and technical teams coordinate complex
operational projects. Designers and Imagineers oversee enhancements throughout
guest spaces. Crew members prepare the ship to welcome guests back onboard. Though
guests wouldn’t notice, improvements to crew spaces such as a reimagined crew
dining location helps ensure crew members have a space that supports them in
delivering the exceptional service guests experience every day.
While magic happens when guests step aboard a Disney cruise
ship, the work completed during dry docks from shipyard to sailing is a
reflection of Disney Cruise Line’s belief that every ship should continue to
evolve, innovate and delight guests, ensuring magical memories.
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