Bringing the Disney Wish, the latest Disney Cruise Line ship, from an idea to the sea was a five-year undertaking by thousands of dedicated crew and Cast Members. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into the process, a new documentary by National Geographic gives an amazing behind-the-scenes look at the last year and a half of construction. “Making the Disney Wish: Disney’s Newest Cruise Ship” debuts on Disney+ on February 17. We were able to catch a screening of the show and talk to the filmmakers to learn more about this documentary.
The documentary is a 90-minute special that gives an incredible behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring a Disney Cruise Line ship to life. From designing to constructing and launching the Disney Wish, viewers will be amazed at the process and challenges that Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney Imagineering faced as they worked through the pandemic, which caused numerous delays.
Filmmakers Chad Cohen (director, writer, and producer) and Bethany Jones (producer and writer) have created a great documentary that will give you an appreciation for the ship and shipbuilders and the incredible Imagineers who were challenged to bring this ship to life. It was especially interesting to learn how the cast and crew worked around the clock during the transatlantic voyage from Germany to Port Canaveral in June 2022. The ship transformed before their eyes as spaces went through last-minute construction, such as painting, carpet laying, and more.
When we spoke to the filmmakers, we learned that they wanted to give some great behind-the-scenes look at the engineering and construction of the ship while also highlighting the heart and dedication of Walt Disney Imagineers. We thought they did a fantastic job covering more technical aspects of the Disney Wish while showing the power of people to pull together to make something amazing. Chad Cohen said they tried very hard not to be an advertisement, and we think they pulled it off. He said it well when he told us he tried to make a documentary that showed “passionate people making cool stuff.”
One very cool scene was the speed trials the ship went through to test the systems. Normally, cameras are not allowed during such tests, and the filmmakers were originally told they would not be able to film, but in the end, they were able to gain access. We’re glad they did because it was neat to see how rigorous the testing is. Another cool scene in the documentary was seeing actor Anthony Mackie film his scenes for the dinner experience at Worlds of Marvel. It’s amazing all of the work that goes into one meal a guest would experience during the cruise.
After watching the documentary, we felt a new appreciation for everyone who brought the ship to life. Having been on the Disney Wish, we know the ship is amazing, and it’s a great reminder that the skill and dedication of the cast and crew are what brought the Wish to life. We highly recommend watching this documentary! We really do think you’ll love it.
“Making the Disney Wish: Disney’s Newest Cruise Ship” debuts on Disney+ on February 17. It’s currently available on Hulu Live and on the National Geographic Channel.
Something that is so much fun, is parents can check their children into the kids club in the Grand Hall on deck 3 and then send them “down the rabbit hole” on a twisting slide to land directly and securely into the central hub of Disney’s Oceaneer Club on deck 2.
