DCL Reveals Disney Imagination Cruise Ship: Is Figment Finally Going Global?!

Disney Cruise Line and Oriental Land Company revealed the name of the first Disney cruise ship that will sail from Japan: Disney Imagination. This covers details from the announcements by OLC and DCL, along with our commentary and one little spark of optimism that this will be the first ship in the fleet to feature Figment.

Let’s start with the announcement. Scheduled to set sail from Tokyo in Spring 2029, Disney Imagination will be the inaugural ship of Disney Cruise Line Japan, a Disney-branded cruise business operated by OLC, the company that owns and operates Tokyo Disney Resort. The Disney Imagination will be powered by the creativity and optimism of imagination, which has always been at the heart of Disney storytelling, to bring magical cruise vacations to families in Japan for the first time.

OLC revealed that the Disney Imagination will feature a theater with seating for over 1,300 guests; stage shows on an outdoor deck featuring Disney characters; programs at locations inside the ship; and exclusive meet & greets. It’ll also offer approximately 30 unique food & beverage venues, exclusive Disney Imagination merchandise, and dedicated areas for children and adults.

Yumiko Takano, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of OLC was joined by Ryotaro Shiiba, President of Oriental Land Cruise Co., LTD.; Natacha Rafalski, President of Disney Signature Experiences; and Tracy Wilson, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Disney Cruise Line Operations, for a special ceremony in Tokyo to announce the name and celebrate this important milestone for Disney Cruise Line and OLC. (Note: Oriental Land Cruise is a subsidiary of Oriental Land Company, and the cruise ship arm of the business; both are referred to interchangeably as OLC.)

During the presentation, OLC’s Yumiko Takano noted that there was a time when the term “theme park” didn’t even exist in Japan. Fast forward over 40 years, and the Japanese theme park fandom arguably eclipses that of the United States, with some of the most passionate and loyal fans in the world.

It’s a similar story with cruises, although at least that market does already exist in Japan. Data shows that the annual number of passengers on domestic cruises departing from Japan is around 250,000 according to a representative from Oriental Land Cruises.

By contrast, the United States has 20.56 million cruise passengers annually. When comparing the cruise utilization rate per capita, the US has a rate of 5.9%, whereas Japan’s rate is only 0.2%. There is tremendous unrealized potential in Japan’s cruising market, and OLC plans to tap into that.

Oriental Land Company’s new ship is scheduled to launch by the second half of Japanese fiscal year 2028, which should be Spring 2029 in calendar year terms (there’s been some confusion about this). Based on the license agreement concluded with Disney, construction for shipbuilding will commence from Japanese fiscal year 2025. OLC indicates that its investing 330 billion yen on this new ship, which is approximately $2 billion USD.

“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,” said Natacha Rafalski, president of Disney Signature Experiences. “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.”

Continuing a beloved Disney Cruise Line tradition, the Disney Imagination will feature a signature Disney character on the ship’s stern that embodies the ship’s theme. This ship will feature Ariel from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ The Little Mermaid who, alongside Sebastian and friends from beneath the sea, will use a dinglehopper to draw the ship’s name, a playful tribute to her curiosity, creativity and adventurous spirit.

Additional details about Disney Imagination, including onboard experiences and future itineraries, will be announced at a later date. Here’s a look at concept art of the stern statue depicting Ariel and Sebastian from the Little Mermaid:

OLC is targeting a price range of 100,000 to 300,000 yen for cruises aboard the Disney Imagination. That’s approximately $630 to $2,000 USD. (Keep in mind that these are shorter cruises, the exchange rate is very favorable to Americans, and wages are lower in Japan. Even so, that seems like a great value.)

OLC will operate a new Disney cruise ship to be registered and based in Japan year-round. The ship is being constructed at Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, with designs created by Walt Disney Imagineering. It is expected to be approximately 140,000 gross tons and powered by liquefied natural gas, with about 1,250 staterooms.

Here’s a teaser for the new Disney Imagination released by DCL:

The first Disney Cruise Line Japan ship, sailing in 2029, will be called the Disney Imagination https://t.co/QqOKkSyCwH

— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) October 14, 2026

Here’s a list of the films featured in the teaser:

• Beauty and the Beast
• Dumbo
• Fantasia
• Frozen
• Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
• The Little Mermaid
• Tangled
• The Aristocats
• Toy Story
• Zootopia

Based on the souvenirs sold in the parks and recent expansion at Tokyo Disney Resort, it’s safe to say all of these properties will be represented aboard the Disney Imagination. The only surprise (at least to American audiences) might be the Aristocats, but they’re huge at TDR. Tons of merchandise, and mobbed free roaming characters. I’m not expecting a Broadway-style Aristocats stage show or anything (although fingers crossed!), but they’ll definitely have a prominent presence.

Given that the Disney Imagination is part of the Wish class, and the overlap we’ve seen from the other sister ships, we’d expect some aspects of the Wish, Treasure, Destiny and Believe to be cloned to the Imagination. However, it should also be unique in many ways and adapted for the Japanese market.

One big difference is that cruises are expected to be 2 to 3 nights. According to OLC, the average length of stay for tourism and leisure in Japan is about 1.7 days. Accordingly, a cruise duration that is easy to incorporate into a regular trip will be more appealing to the Japanese audience.

There was also a discussion of how the ships will be adapted for a Japanese audience, which includes tweaks such as deeper bathtubs for soaking, a counter service restaurant that serves noodles, and offering more locations to purchase merchandise.

Although not discussed during the press conference, this also extends to the venues and franchises featured aboard the Disney Imagination. I would be somewhat surprised to see Worlds of Marvel or Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge cloned to the Japan ship. These intellectual properties are not as popular in Japan as they are domestically. Instead, I would expect more of an emphasis on Walt Disney Animation Studios films.

This would mirror what we’ve seen at Tokyo Disney Resort, where the most recent blockbuster additions are based on Beauty and the Beast, Big Hero 6, Frozen, Tangled, and Peter Pan. Aside from an “it’s a small world” overlay, there are no Marvel attractions, and Star Wars only has Star Tours.

Given this, it’s likely that there will be more originality aboard the Disney Imagination than, for instance, the Believe. It’s nevertheless likely that there will be a decent degree of overlap. Although OLC has demonstrated an aversion towards clones from Walt Disney World and Disneyland, we’d caution against expecting that aboard the Imagination.

The big reason why OLC has avoided clones at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea over the last few decades is because the castle park started by liberally cherry picking elements from Magic Kingdom and Disneyland.

It has since tried to escape that and grow into its own, original thing with expansion and redevelopment in the decades since. None of this is speculative. It’s well documented that Tokyo Disneyland started as mostly a ‘greatest hits’ of the US castle parks, and OLC has stated in countless earnings reports that originality has since become an emphasis as the parks have grown more popular.

The Imagination enters more uncharted waters, and is similar to Tokyo Disneyland when it was being developed in the late 1970s and early 80s. We would thus expect some degree of playing it safe, repeating the venues that work and will resonate with Japanese audiences. Once it’s clear cruising is a hit with Japanese Disney fans, OLC can bet big on the next ship, sort of like they did with Tokyo DisneySea in 2001.

Will Figment Be Featured on the Disney Imagination?!

Given all of the above, it’s understandable that diehard fans are disappointed to see the Disney Imagination name used on the Japan ship. This name being used was inevitable, as DCL is running out of “Disney words” to name ships. (Here are the other remaining candidates: Inspire, Explore, Enchant (all the other Magic Keys), Spirit, Legacy, Harmony, Star, Symphony, Discovery, Majesty, Hope.)

Many domestic Disney fans likely wanted to see the Disney Imagination used as one of the upcoming ships in the next class. Given the Haunted Mansion Parlor, S.E.A. connections, and increasing integrations of theme park IP on DCL (not to mention the recently revealed reuniting of Figment and Dreamfinder in a reimagined Journey Into Imagination ride), it seemed likely that a Disney Imagination was on the horizon, and a Florida-based ship of that name would likely feature Figment.

The disappointment in doing the Disney Imagination in Japan is that it seemingly takes Figment and Dreamfinder off the table. After all, that original EPCOT Center character has no loyal fan following in Japan, as he’s not featured in any film (yet), nor any attraction at Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea (also yet).

You know who else that describes? The Disney Bear, circa 2005. Sorry, you might know him as Duffy.

When the Disney Bear was first brought to Japan, he was an unknown original character that the Walt Disney World merchandising machine had attempted to will into existence. They largely failed. Tokyo Disney Resort took that concept and breathed new life into it, and the rest is history. (See The Duffy Phenomenon at Tokyo DisneySea for more on this.)

If you talk to anyone at OLC, Walt Disney Attractions Japan or Imagineering who worked on that project, the success of Duffy is a great source of pride. They took an original character and turned it into something special, and an absolute merchandising powerhouse. Duffy is basically the basis for the above comments about ‘more shopping’ aboard the Imagination, and it’s safe to say that Duffy will have a prominent presence–and exclusive entertainment and souvenirs–on the Disney Imagination. That’s just a given.

Figment should end up being a similar story. For one, he’s a cute dragon with untapped potential, including a strong merchandising component. For another, this is the Disney Imagination and he is the most on-theme character that could be featured.

Cynics will contend that Figment is an unknown in Japan. As someone who has worn Figment hats and shirts at Tokyo Disneyland, I can confidently say that isn’t true. No one–not even Disneyland fans in California–is as passionate about the parks as Japanese fans. They take “diehard” to the next level.

While Figment obviously is not mainstream in Japan, the same is also true in America! Enough Japanese fans already do know who Figment is to give the character a toehold in the market. Equally important, Figment has the correct ‘kawaii factor’ to set him up for success.

The bottom line is that Figment being featured on the Disney Imagination strikes me as just as likely as if the ship were sailing out of Florida. Do not underestimate Japanese fans, or their knowledge or passion for things at Walt Disney World.

Just as Spirit Jerseys have become something of a ‘status symbol’ among TDR fans, Figment would have appeal by virtue of his Walt Disney World association and being an American import. If there’s one thing that’s universal among Disney fans the world over, it’s wanting to be part of the in-group who is knowledgeable about ‘secret’ things casual guests miss. This phenomenon has become so widespread that, ironically, it’s almost mainstream at this point. Japanese fans are no different in this regard.

Likewise, Imagineers on the project will almost certainly pitch Figment at every chance they get, along with other ‘pet’ properties. (The Disney Imagination would very easily turn into a love letter to the parks, Walt Disney, and classic animation.) If Figment is part of the Disney Imagination, it’ll be a smash success.

If Figment is not part of the Disney Imagination, it’ll likely come down to OLC leadership balking at the idea, or the Walt Disney Company not wanting Figment to go global. While I could see either being possible, OLC seems to have a pretty good sense of what its fans want, and Disney already tested the international waters with Figment merchandise in Shanghai. Figment finding an international audience is mutually advantageous; I think this is more likely to happen than not.

Our Commentary

Beyond the possibility of Figment being featured, I can’t say I’m super excited for the Disney Imagination. At least, not from a purely selfish perspective. I do think this is likely a good strategic move for OLC, and understand why they’re entering these waters given the lack of competition and room for growth.

We’re huge fans of Tokyo Disney Resort, and the way Oriental Land Company runs its parks (for the most part). Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea are the two best theme parks in the world, and a lot of what’s been built in the last decade appeals to us more than the additions at WDW and DLR during that timeframe. Another big component is that they’re operated like Walt Disney World was in the 1990s.

After the success of Fantasy Springs, I was hoping that OLC was about to embark on another decade of expansion, reimagining, and placemaking projects in the two existing parks. One of the goals of their medium-term plan is, essentially, to make Tokyo Disneyland totally unique, and that endeavor is coming along nicely.

I’d also like to see another new port-of-call built on the expansion pad previously announced as being Frozen/Norway/Scandinavia. Instead, it seems like we’re maybe getting a redevelopment of Port Discovery, but even that has yet to be officially announced.

All of this can still happen, and some of it probably will in the decade to come. But this is about $2 billion less that OLC will have to allocate to all of that, which is unfortunate. This means that at least some theme park projects will be put on the backburner, as OLC simply does not have the resources to do it all. Thankfully, at least OLC is singularly focused on the parks & resorts business, and doesn’t have the distractions (or money pits) of streaming services, television networks, etc.

From my perspective, OLC continuing to build theme park projects is more exciting and interesting than the company trying its hand at a cruise ship. For one thing, I suspect there’s less room for innovation or deviation from the formula. The Wish-class ships are what they are, and while the thematic window-dressing can change, not nearly to the same degree as theme parks, which present more of a blank slate. Anna & Elsa’s Frozen Journey, for example, is wildly different from Frozen Ever After.

Moreover, Disney Cruise Line also operates very similarly to Walt Disney World of the 1990s, so OLC cannot possibly bring as much to the table there. I suspect the service will be even better than DCL, but it won’t be leaps and bounds better as is the case with parks. This is going to be more incremental, just like the changes to the ship itself.

When it comes to the superlative service that American fans always rave about at Tokyo Disney Resort, a big part of this is a product of Japanese culture in general, and not simply a different management approach by OLC. Omotenashi is the Japanese term for this, which means that service is honest and unpretentious, from the bottom of the heart.

This is the guiding principle for Japanese hospitality with great attention to detail. You can find this pretty much anywhere in Japan (except places that don’t want foreign tourists), and it’ll undoubtedly extend to this new ship. But I would argue that Disney Cruise Line already has a similar service ethos.

With all of that said, I also have the self-awareness to recognize that this is all selfish based on my personal preferences, and perceived strengths and weakness of both OLC and the Walt Disney Company. Moreover, American bloggers, as lucrative of an audience as we might be, are not the target demo for a cruise ship based in Japan.

Given the number of Japanese fans we know who love Disney Cruise Line, this is probably a savvy business decision on OLC’s part. We also know a lot of Japanese fans who are DVC owners, so to end on a positive note, at least they aren’t wasting the space or resources to build a Disney Vacation Club resort in Japan.

It’s also likely that the Disney Imagination will be the best ship of the Wish class, or at least the one most squarely aimed at our interests. That’s true even if it doesn’t end up featuring Figment, as it almost certainly will focus on classic Walt Disney Animation films, as opposed to Marvel and Star Wars. It’s also likely that there will be more attention to detail, thoughtfulness in the design, and depth. Oh, and plenty of Duffy!

Planning a trip to Tokyo Disney Resort? For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea Trip Planning Guide! For more specifics, our TDR Hotel Rankings & Reviews page covers accommodations. Our Restaurant Reviews detail where to dine & snack. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money post. Our What to Pack for Disney post takes a unique look at clever items to take. Venturing elsewhere in Japan? Consult our Ultimate Guide to Kyoto, Japan and City Guide to Tokyo, Japan.

YOUR THOUGHTS

What do you think of a brand-new Disney Imagination ship coming to Japan? Think it’ll feature Figment, or is that our overactive imaginations getting the best of us? Wish OLC were investing this $2 billion in the parks, or do you think it’ll be interesting to see what OLC brings to the table when it comes to cruising? Agree or disagree with our assessments? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!