National Geographic Premieres 90-Minute Disney Wish Construction Documentary
National Geographic is premiering "Making the Wish: Disney's Newest Cruise Ship" on December 24 at 9 p.m. EST, a 90-minute documentary chronicling the design, construction, and launch of the Disney Wish. Directed by Chad Cohen and produced in partnership with Disney Yellow Shoes, the special brings viewers inside a centuries-old German shipyard where over 144,000 tons of steel were transformed into Disney Cruise Line's newest vessel. The film spotlights the Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney Imagineering teams who brought the ship to life.
National Geographic is premiering "Making the Wish: Disney's Newest Cruise Ship" on December 24 at 9:00 p.m. EST, offering a 90-minute behind-the-scenes documentary on the construction of the Disney Wish. Produced in partnership with Disney Yellow Shoes and directed by filmmaker Chad Cohen, the special takes viewers inside the ship-building process from design through launch. It marks the first documentary of its kind dedicated to a Disney Cruise Line vessel.
Key Details
- Title: Making the Wish: Disney's Newest Cruise Ship
- Premiere: December 24, 9:00 p.m. EST
- Network: National Geographic Channel
- Runtime: 90 minutes
- Director/Writer/Producer: Chad Cohen
- Producer/Writer: Bethany Jones
- Production Partner: Disney Yellow Shoes
Inside the Shipyard That Built a Dream
The Disney Wish was constructed at a two-centuries-old shipyard on Germany's North Sea, where hundreds of workers — engineers, architects, designers, animators, composers, storytellers, and cast members — collaborated to transform 144,000 tons of steel into what the cruise line calls one of the most enchanting vessels ever to sail. The documentary follows the entire arc of that journey, from early design decisions to the ship's inaugural departure.
The Teams Behind the Magic
The special centers on the Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney Imagineering teams whose work shaped every corner of the Disney Wish. National Geographic filmmakers Chad Cohen (director, writer, and producer) and Bethany Jones (producer and writer) led the documentary effort, capturing candid moments alongside the technical milestones of shipbuilding. The collaboration with Disney Yellow Shoes ensured the production aligned with Disney's creative standards while delivering the factual, science-forward storytelling National Geographic is known for.
Why This Matters for Cruise Fans
Documentaries focused on cruise ship construction are rare; one centered on a Disney Cruise Line vessel is unprecedented. The premiere gives fans and prospective guests an inside look at the scale and complexity behind a modern Disney ship — context that adds depth to any future sailing experience. The Disney Wish currently sails three- and four-night voyages out of Port Canaveral. For itinerary details, visit DisneyCruise.com.