One Step Closer to Completion: Watch the Disney Wish’s Epic Journey to the North Sea!

Hallo aus Deutschland! Last week, we celebrated the latest milestone, which means we are one step closer to the Disney Wish’s delivery. Today, I’m thrilled to take you on the journey from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany to the North Sea, where the Disney Wish entered open water for the first time.

It took about 24 hours to complete the trip on the River Ems – traveling a distance of 26 miles at the slow and steady pace of two knots. The voyage included navigating locks, drawbridges and tight clearings along the way. Watch the video below to see the action!

This shipbuilding milestone involved great teamwork, precision and attention to detail. Did you know conditions have to be just right to sail the River Ems (including – believe it or not – a full moon to raise the tides for the ship to clear the river’s depth)? That’s not the only factor. The ship must travel backwards, stern-first! Our stern character, Rapunzel, led us fearlessly to the Disney Wish’s new destination.

Not only is this an important tradition for the shipyard and the Walt Disney Imagineering Germany team, it is special to locals in the Papenburg and Leer area. The occasion brought out many marveling spectators along the route. Families even got to wave to some special friends!

Now that the Disney Wish has arrived in Eemshaven, Netherlands, we will begin a series of tests known as sea trials. Before you know it, summer will be here and we will be welcoming guests aboard the Disney Wish to experience their favorite Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars stories like never before. Tell us what you are most excited about in the comments!

by Philip Gennotte, Portfolio Project Management Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering Germany