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Big Changes Ahead as Disney Goes All-in on Texas

Characters on Disney Cruise Line
Credit: Disney

Disney’s presence in Texas is about to get a serious upgrade.

For over a decade, the Walt Disney Company has maintained a seasonal foothold in the state through its cruise operations out of Galveston. Since 2012, Disney Cruise Line has used the Port of Galveston as a departure point for select Caribbean and Bahamas sailings aboard the Disney Magic. While never a permanent hub, Galveston remained a key piece of Disney’s Gulf Coast operations.

But now, that seasonal model appears set to change.

Disney Dream Cruise Line

Credit: Disney Cruise Line

Galveston Grows in Importance

In a presentation to the Galveston City Council, Port CEO Rodger Rees stated that the Port of Galveston will become a full-time homeport for Disney Cruise Line beginning in 2027. While Disney has yet to officially confirm the move, the report from the Galveston County Daily News outlines a significant step forward for the company’s commitment to Texas.

Rees claimed that the Disney Cruise Line will start sailing year-round from Galveston instead of seasonally. He also claimed that the new vessel would be larger and newer than the Disney Magic, which has received recent complaints regarding quality and maintenance issues.

Mickey and Minnie in front of a Disney Cruise Line ship

Credit: Disney Cruise Line

Rees even implied that the ship could be Disney’s largest yet: the 6,700-passenger Disney Adventure, set to debut from Singapore in December 2025. However, this speculation contradicts previous statements from Disney, which noted that the ship will remain in Singapore for at least five years due to an agreement with the Singapore Tourism Board.

A Competitive Shift in Cruise Strategy

Galveston’s position in the cruise industry is rising rapidly. Rees emphasized that the region is well poised for growth, citing over $200 million in planned investments into western Caribbean routes by various cruise lines. As Florida’s ports approach capacity, Galveston has the geographic advantage of proximity to a growing number of U.S. residents now living within driving distance.

Royal Caribbean opened a new terminal in Galveston in 2022, followed by long-term agreements from Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises. Disney’s deepened involvement only adds weight to the port’s strategic importance.

Minnie Mouse

Credit: Disney Cruise Line

The broader Disney Cruise Line is also undergoing major expansion. In August 2024, Disney ordered four new ships from Germany’s Meyer Werft, slated for delivery between 2027 and 2031. The shipyard described it as the most valuable order in its history. By January 2025, Disney confirmed the vessels would include one additional Wish-class ship and three mid-size ships designed to bridge the gap between its existing Magic- and Dream-class fleets.

In a potentially related development, Rees hinted at a new cruise line also in talks with Galveston, expected to launch around 2031. While no names were given, the brand was described as “complementary” to Disney and reportedly under a non-disclosure agreement. Rumors have swirled about Universal eyeing a cruise venture of its own.

What’s your favorite Disney Cruise Line ship?

About Chloe James

Chloë is a theme park addict and self-proclaimed novelty hunter. She's obsessed with all things Star Wars, loves roller coasters (but hates Pixar Pal-A-Round), and lives for Disney's next Muppets project.

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