Disney Plans Exciting New Travel Opportunities
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| Year: | 2016 |
Recently Karl Holz, President of Disney Cruise Line and New Vacation Opportunities, and Ken Potrock, Senior VP and GM of Adventures by Disney and Disney Vacation Club told members of the media about several new projects ahead. Before a lavish lunch at Walt Disney World, the two men shared the views of the Disney Company and their respective divisions.
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Holz began by proclaiming, “The Disney Cruise is the ultimate ocean-going vacation for families.” He explained the cruises take guests to “a fantasy world” onboard the ships, while also visiting ports of call and of course, Disney’s Castaway Cay, it’s own secluded island.
The cruises definitely have the Disney touch, and next year they will have 15 Star Wars themed days at sea with sailings from January to April 2017.
While offering families plenty of activities aboard the ships, Holz said they also have “Broadway quality shows” that entertain the entire family.
Two new Disney ships will be joining the fleet in 2021 and 2023, and currently there are updates concluding on the Disney Wonder. Each one of the ships (Disney Magic, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wonder) has unique offerings for all the guests, however they share one thing in common. That is the Disney touch with plenty of fantasy, magic, wonder, dreams, and fun. Hence the names of the ships!
New destinations that will be served by the Disney Cruise Line are new ports in Alaska, Europe, Norway, the British Isles, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and Amsterdam.
DISNEY VACATION CLUB
Ken Potrock described Disney’s Aulani Hawaiian resort as a “multi-generational” destination. The resort, which was opened five years ago, immerses guests in the “beauty and the spirit of the islands.”
Disney Vacation Club currently has 14 resorts, with the newest at the Wilderness Lodge in WDW as well as waterfront cabins. The other locations in this ownership program include 8 other resorts in Walt Disney World, one in Disneyland, one in Vero Beach, one in Hilton Head Island, and one at Aulani on Oahu. Members of the Disney Vacation Club not only get special treatment in the resorts, but also get special Magic Bands to wear in the theme parks which identify them to cast members as being special guests where they receive individual treatment in the parks.
ADVENTURES BY DISNEY
Adventures by Disney is a unique vacation experience for couples or families. Now in its tenth year, the program immerses travelers in activities and experiences around the world. The groups consist of about 30 people, making the tours small enough for a more individual experience. With 40 itineraries covering six continents in 2017, Adventures by Disney has the world covered.
New domestic destinations include Philadelphia where visitors see the birthplace of the nation, Montana, where guests experience a dude ranch, and Yellowstone National Park where guests experience “glamor camping,” as Potrock explained.
RIVER CRUISES BY DISNEY
Disney has joined with AMA Waterways, a high-end river cruise company in Europe, to bring two famous rivers to Disney vacationers: the Rhine and the Danube. The new AMA Kristina, debuting in 2017, will be a luxurious ship for families and is touted to be a milestone for Disney River Cruise ship.
There’s no doubt the folks at Disney are looking far ahead to bring the most fun to all their guests. As they explained, a Disney vacation is a special and memorable experience for the whole family.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
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