The Imagineering pavilion at D23 Expo has added pre-cast sculpt models for the Disney Believe’s stern and Grand Hall characters. It’s fans’ closest look yet at the characters, ahead of full-scale builds and installation on the ship. Here’s a closer look at the models from our visit to the Imagineering Pavilion this morning.
Disney Believe Sculpt Models on Display at D23 Expo
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- Pre-cast sculpt models for the Disney Believe are now on display at D23 Expo
- The models show Woody and Buzz Lightyear on the stern and Moana in the Grand Hall
- Disney also released concept art showing the finished, painted versions
A Closer Look at the Stern Sculpts
The stern model shows Woody and Buzz Lightyear in the pose Disney revealed on stage at the Disney Experiences Showcase last night. Buzz reaches down with an oversized crayon in hand. Woody leans out through a floatation device, holding a second crayon. Together, they’re coloring in the ship’s name, a nod to the block-style lettering tied to the Toy Story franchise.
The sculpt is still in its unpainted stage. That lets us examine the detail work up close, from Buzz’s suit paneling to Woody’s stitched hat brim. Disney’s finalized concept art, pictured below, shows the finished version once installed on the ship’s stern. In that artwork, Buzz and Woody appear in their familiar color schemes. They’re set against the Disney Cruise Line insignia and the ship’s name, “Disney Believe.”
Moana Takes Her Place in the Grand Hall
The second sculpt on display depicts Moana for the ship’s Grand Hall statue. Disney has said the space will draw its theme from the “Moana” films. The model shows Moana standing with one hand on her hip. Her other hand holds her oar aloft, and her hair sweeps back as if caught in the wind. Pua and Heihei sit at her feet on a rocky base meant to evoke the film’s South Pacific setting.
This sculpt is also still in unpainted gray, like the stern piece. The gray shows off the incredible detail in the model. Disney’s concept art for the finished statue shows it rendered in gold, standing at the center of the Grand Hall beneath a curved staircase. The surrounding decor pulls in Polynesian-inspired patterns and greenery.
Disney first revealed the Grand Hall statue and stern characters during Saturday’s Disney Experiences Showcase. That announcement also covered Tinker Bell’s role in the ship’s bow artwork.
Story So Far
- March 2026: Disney announced the Disney Believe as the name of its ninth ship and fourth Wish-class vessel, revealing a design theme built around promise and possibilities.
- July 2026: Disney shared construction photos showing progress on the ship’s funnel at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.
- July 2026: Disney Cruise Line set October 7th for a livestream reveal of further details about the ship.
- August 2026: Disney revealed the Grand Hall statue, stern characters, and bow artwork during the Disney Experiences Showcase at D23 Expo.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!