Oriental Land Co. Names Disney Imagination for 2029 Japan Launch

Oriental Land Co. and Disney have officially named Japan’s inaugural Disney cruise ship Disney Imagination. Scheduled to launch in spring 2029 from the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal, the Wish-class vessel will operate under Disney Cruise Line Japan as part of a multi-decade partnership with Tokyo Disney Resort.

Meyer Werft Starts Hull Construction in Papenburg

At roughly 340 meters long and weighing about 140,000 tons, the ship represents an estimated 330 billion yen investment in construction and related costs. Construction on the hull of the newly named Disney Imagination officially commenced at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany. Operating under Oriental Land Company’s newly established subsidiary, Disney Cruise Line Japan, the vessel is designed to accommodate approximately 4,000 passengers across 1,250 guest rooms.

Oriental Land Co. intends for the venture to become a major revenue pillar alongside its established theme parks and hotels. The company plans to offer short excursions lasting two to four nights. These durations are structured to integrate directly into a standard Tokyo Disney Resort vacation.

Disney Imagination Ship Revealed! Sailing 2029🚢

Ariel and Sebastian Take Their Place on the Stern

In keeping with maritime traditions across the fleet, the Disney Imagination will feature a prominent animated character on its stern. Design concepts depict Ariel using her dinglehopper to paint the ship’s name across the hull, accompanied by Sebastian in his role as court composer.

The vessel shares its foundational layout with other Wish-class ships in the fleet, including the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, Disney Destiny, and Disney Believe. Passengers boarding the ship will encounter approximately 30 distinct food and beverage locations, featuring three main themed dining rooms alongside a main theater designed to seat more than 1,300 guests for Broadway-style productions.

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Executive Leadership Marks the Milestone in Tokyo

Executives from both parent organizations gathered in Tokyo for a formal ceremony to unveil the vessel’s moniker. Yumiko Takano, Chairperson and CEO of Oriental Land Co., was joined by Ryotaro Shiiba, President of Oriental Land Cruise Co.; Natacha Rafalski, President of Disney Signature Experiences; and Tracy Wilson, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Disney Cruise Line Operations.

“Today’s announcement of the Disney Imagination marks a significant milestone in the continued expansion of Disney Cruise Line and in our long-standing relationship with Oriental Land Group. We are honored to extend the magic of Disney cruising to fans in new markets and create opportunities for Japanese guests to experience a Disney vacation at sea.”

Natacha Rafalski, President of Disney Signature Experiences

To support operations for the new cruise venture, Oriental Land Cruise Company entered into an agreement with Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha and Yusen Cruises Co., Ltd.

Ariel stern statue disney imagination cruise line — Photo: WDW News Today

Booking Schedules and Unresolved Details Ahead of Service

Reservations for the inaugural sailings are slated to open approximately six months prior to the scheduled spring 2029 launch.

Specific itineraries, sail dates, and exact dining concepts beyond the three main restaurants will be revealed at a later date. The partnership builds upon a collaboration between Disney and Oriental Land Co. that spans more than 40 years of operating the Tokyo Disney Resort.