“I’m going to bawl my eyes out in Galaxy’s Edge,” said one Agent,”I’m making a lightsaber as soon as we get there,” revealed another, while the rest couldn’t wait to “get a coffee, a shower & then run to the park”.
Disney Magic had infused itself into 40 Australian Travel Agents and their hosts before even arriving at Disneyland in California for the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Mega Fam.
Over 100 Whatsapp messages (including some of the above) were shared by consultants as they flew from major Australian cities to Los Angeles.
The group really took advantage of Delta’s free inflight messaging service and Virgin Australia’s wi-fi offering as they discussed arrival plans with many, nay all, eager to check out their on-site accommodation at the Disneyland Hotel, jump on rides, meet characters and enjoy Disney dining (much of which was in the hopes that it’d help them fight jet lag).
And just as they said they would, by 10.00am on Tuesday, 40 Australian consultants were seen running around Disneyland and California Adventure Park, ticking off the top of their ‘Disney must-dos’.
Among them was Matthew Chisolm of Chisolm & Turner Travel Associates who last visited the theme park over 20 years ago, before the California Adventure extension had been built.
He said that although the Disney product tends to sell itself, experiencing MaxPass first-hand better equips him to educate clients on the benefits of the ticket upgrade.
Speaking to KARRYON, he said that as a huge Star Wars fan he was also keen to check out the newly opened Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (of course) and will dedicate a whole day to really experience the land from its out-of-this-world dining venue Olga’s Cantina to its Millennium Falcon attraction.
Also keen to travel to the remote planet of Batuu (aka Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge) was Tamara Milne of Flight Centre, who hyperspace-d straight to the newest Disney addition.
As she predicted in the Whatsapp group, Tamara cried upon entering Galaxy’s Edge and was the first in the group of Agents to take part in a LightSaber-making workshop.
Impressed by the newest addition, Tamara believes that franchise lovers will appreciate the land’s attention to detail while regular park visitors will be excited by its immersive quality.
“What they’ve done, you do feel like you’ve stepped into another galaxy.”
Tamara Ashleigh, Flight Centre
While Tamara created her own intergalactic weapon, others spent the day roaming both parks and taking in as many rides as they could using their FastPass.
They ticked off rides such as Indiana Jones, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Incredicoaster, Guardians of the Galaxy and more. They also met some of their favourite characters including Pluto, Mickey and Groot.
Eventually, everyone gathered at Downtown Disney’s buzzing Mexican restaurant, Tortilla Jo’s, for some welcome Margheritas (courtesy of Delta Air Lines and Virgin Australia), tacos, empanadas and churros.
The dinner was praised by many who said they felt that people can often underestimate the quality of food and drinks at Disney Parks, particularly Disneyland California.
Once their bellies were bulging with Mexican cuisine, some consultants headed back to the park for the nightly parades and fireworks, others went for a stroll down the vibrant Downtown Disney strip, while the rest gave into the exhausted inside their Disneyland Hotel rooms.
Winners of the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge incentive will spend five days in Anaheim, during which times they’ll experience Disneyland California, check out surrounding properties, shop, dine, and attend the annual Disney conference, D23.
Keep an eye on KARRYON‘s Facebook page for more pictures and stories from the ‘journey’.