In a christening ceremony full of jaw-dropping entertainment, Disney Cruise Line officially launched its third ship, the 128,000-ton Disney Dream, at Port Canaveral.

The ceremony was short on long wordy speeches and big on show. Robert Iger, president and CEO of The Walt Disney Company gave a short introduction before Thomas Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, took over. But Staggs wasn’t on stage long as Mickey Mouse appeared, saying: “Anyone can break a bottle full of champagne on a ship, but we’re going to fill our bottle with Dreams.”

An elaborate cast of Disney characters ran the show, performing various scenes (including one featuring a pirate ship which sailed past the Dream) until the bottle – which was sitting on a nearby barge – was full.

Meanwhile, Disney had positioned the ship just off the berth, allowing for the ship to be in full view for the show which had more TV production equipment onsite than most live sports telecasts.

Once Mickey had determined the bottle was full, a helicopter appeared and craftily lowered itself to pick up the bottle off the barge, flying it over to be “broken” over the Dream. As the bottle broke, more fireworks were set off, including a barrage from the Dream – as Disney boasts the only fireworks show at sea.

Jennifer Hudson had the honor of christening Disney’s newbuild from Meyer Werft. The singer/actress performed and interacted with Disney characters. Company executives and Hudson were quick to point out that she got her Oscar-winning career started on the Disney Wonder as a singer.

Stay tuned for more pictures and content from the Disney Dream.