It’s an exciting day for cruise fans as a second branch of the Disney Cruise Line was announced today – but it won’t be run by Disney.
Just like Disney’s theme parks offer fun and thrills for guests of all ages, the Disney Cruise Line is designed to entertain the whole family.
Related: Disney Cruise Costs Guest $94,000 for Three People
Across its fleet (the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, or Disney Wish), passengers can enjoy a variety of distinctly Disney experiences. These include Broadway-style shows based on classic Disney films such as Tangled (2010), Frozen (2013), and Beauty and the Beast (1991), as well as immersive restaurants including Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure, Tiana’s Place, Animator’s Palate, and Remy.
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, the onboard water coaster, the AquaDuck, is also a must-do on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy (and on the Disney Wish, where it’s known as the AquaMouse). Meanwhile, the Disney Magic (Disney’s OG cruise ship) features AquaDunk, where passengers “climb your way to the ship’s highest point then plunge 3 stories.”
There are plenty more exciting Disney Cruise Line projects in the works. In December 2024, the Disney Treasure will embark upon its inaugural voyage from Port Canaveral, Florida, while the Disney Adventure is set to sail from Singapore in 2025. The Disney Destiny is also slated to debut in spring 2026.
As if that’s not enough, yet another Disney cruise project was announced today – but for once, it’s not operated by the Disney Cruise Line.
The Oriental Land Company (which operates Tokyo Disney Resort) has revealed that it’s signed a licensing agreement with Disney to launch its own cruise business out of Japan. Check out the announcement below:
The Company reached a decision to enter into the cruise business in Japan, and has concluded a license agreement with the Disney Company to bring the magic of Disney cruises to the market. This decision was based on the potential growth of the cruise market in Japan, the experience the Company has gained in its theme park and hotel operations, and its strong relationship with the Disney Company which will serve as a great advantage for this business opportunity.
According to a press release from Oriental Land Company (OLC), construction will start on the first cruise ship in 2025, with the first cruise expected to set sail in 2028. OLC plans to invest approximately 330 billion yen ($2 billion USD) in the project.
Of course, any diehard Disney parkgoer knows about OLC. Tokyo Disney Resort is often considered the gold standard of Disney’s theme parks despite the fact it’s not actually owned by Disney. The resort has a reputation for incredibly immersive attractions and experiences, with Tokyo DisneySea frequently bestowed with the title of the best Disney theme park in the world.
Most recently, Tokyo DisneySea debuted its newest land, Fantasy Springs. Featuring areas inspired by Tangled (2010), Frozen (2013), and Peter Pan (1953), it’s currently notoriously difficult to experience the land for yourself, with entry only granted to those bearing either a Fantasy Springs Passport (which requires also staying at the Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel), a free Standby Pass, or paid Disney Premier Access.
Its original park, Tokyo Disneyland, is also gearing up to permanently close its version of Space Mountain later this month in preparation for a newer, bigger, more advanced version of the iconic indoor roller coaster. Elsewhere in Tomorrowland, it also plans to shutter its Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters attraction in October to make way for a Wreck-It Ralph (2012) ride.
As Inside the Magic has previously reported, the weak yen makes now an opportune time for American tourists to visit Japan. It recently fell below 160 to the dollar, marking its weakest position in over 30 years.
Do you plan on visiting Japan any time soon?
