Disney Cruise Line is sharing a rare look at what happens when its ships head into dry dock, from new restaurants and redesigned spaces to major work guests will never see. And next spring, the Disney Wish will get its turn.

A Disney Cruise Line ship may feel like a floating Disney resort, but keeping one looking (and operating) like new requires a surprising amount of work behind the scenes.

Disney Cruise Line has shared a closer look at what happens during a ship’s dry dock, when a vessel is temporarily taken out of the water for inspections, maintenance, renovations, and sometimes significant additions to the guest experience.

The timing is particularly interesting as Disney continues to expand its fleet while simultaneously investing in its existing ships. Recent dry docks have brought noticeable changes to the Disney Wonder, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Magic. And in May 2027, the Disney Wish is expected to undergo its first dry dock since entering service in 2022.

What Happens During a Disney Cruise Line Dry Dock?

Disney Cruise Line ships typically undergo dry dock about every five years. While part of that time is dedicated to the inspections and maintenance required to keep a ship operating, Disney also uses the opportunity to update spaces guests encounter throughout their vacation.

That can mean everything from laying new carpet and refreshing furnishings to introducing entirely new restaurants, lounges, and other experiences.

Photo Courtesy of Disney

During the Disney Wonder‘s recent dry dock, Disney says more than 100 projects were completed in just 14 days. Nearly 1,000 crew and cast members contributed to the project, while more than 12 miles of new carpet was installed throughout the ship.

The exterior received plenty of attention, too. A new sustainable hull coating covered an area Disney says was equivalent to painting 10 football fields.

Photo Courtesy of Disney

The work follows other recent investments across Disney Cruise Line’s older ships, some of which have resulted in much more noticeable changes for guests.

Some Dry Dock Changes Completely Transform Onboard Spaces

The Disney Fantasy recently received several additions during its own dry dock, including Ramone’s Cantina, a new Cars-inspired quick-service location. Disney also updated Senses Spa & Salon and introduced the Fantasy Tower Suite, a massive concierge accommodation inspired by Disney’s Fantasia.

Other changes have been rolled out across multiple ships. Edge, the tween club for guests ages 11 to 14, received a refreshed design aboard the Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic, and Disney Wonder, including a brighter color scheme and modular features that allow the space to adapt for different activities.

Photo Courtesy of Disney

According to Disney, deciding what to change starts with looking at how guests actually use the ships. “Every dry dock is an opportunity to reinvigorate spaces with new magic by responding to how guests use areas of the ships,” Alexis Cummins, creative director at Walt Disney Imagineering, said in a Disney release.

That means a dry dock isn’t necessarily about making a ship feel completely different. Instead, Disney can update areas that aren’t working as well as they could while adding new storytelling to spaces guests already know.

Some of the Biggest Changes Are Ones Guests Never See

Not everything happening during a dry dock is as noticeable as a new restaurant or redesigned youth club. Technical teams also use the time out of the water to work on parts of the vessel that aren’t normally accessible. Recent projects have included advanced hull coatings aboard the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, as well as a new bulbous bow for the Disney Fantasy. According to Disney, those updates are intended to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

Photo Courtesy of Disney

Crew areas receive attention as well. Disney says recent projects have included improvements such as a reimagined crew dining location.

It’s a massive undertaking considering the short amount of time available. Marine teams, technical experts, Walt Disney Imagineers, designers, craftspeople, crew members, and other teams work simultaneously to complete hundreds of projects before passengers return.

The Disney Wish Will Head to Dry Dock in 2027

The Disney Wish is scheduled to undergo its first dry dock in May 2027, roughly five years after the ship officially entered service in July 2022. The timing also comes during a major change for the ship. After spending its first several years sailing primarily from Port Canaveral, the Disney Wish will make its European debut in 2027. Disney’s currently published schedule has the ship leaving Port Canaveral in late April before beginning its European itineraries.

Disney Wish at Castaway Cay. Photo by Danny Shuster

Disney has not yet detailed what guest-facing changes, if any, could be coming during the Wish‘s first dry dock. But the recent work aboard the Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic, and Disney Wonder shows that these scheduled maintenance periods can become an opportunity for much more than routine upkeep.

And with the Disney Wish about to begin a new chapter sailing in Europe, we’ll be watching closely to see whether its first trip to dry dock brings anything new onboard.