On Monday night, Karryon joined some 150 travel advisors on a journey to the happiest place on earth, via Melbourne – specifically the first Disney Days event of 2023.
Hosted by Disney Destinations, Brand USA and United Airlines, the event promised an “immersive and magical VIP experience” of Disney’s destinations … and interactive it was, with guests transported to the USA with flavours of chilli, churros, fairy floss, a live s’mores station, sketch-bot, Disney Cruise Lines activation and more.
Just about the only thing missing was a cameo by Mickey and Minnie themselves, though there were plenty of mouse ears around and no shortage of cheer.
Those in attendance also heard about the latest developments from Disney Parks & Resorts, Disney Cruise Line, Brand USA and United Airlines.
Disney news
At Disneyland Resort, new and improved experiences include the reimagined Mickey’s Toontown, the new quick-service restaurant ‘Tiana’s Palace’, the vibrant new shopping and dining district San Fransokyo Square, the Villas at the Disneyland Hotel (opening 28 September), and the reimagined Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel (due for completion at the end of 2023).
In Walt Disney World Resort, the Tron Lightcycle / Run has become “a fast favourite” with guests, while Journey of Water (inspired by Moana) will open in late 2023. The park will also host a Disney100 Celebration, including décor, themed food and beverage options, from 22 September until the end of the year.
On the water
Meanwhile, Disney Cruise Line’s newest vessel, Disney Treasure, will make its debut in 2024, as will the new private island in the Bahamas, Disney’s Lighthouse Point.
The cruise line also expects its Singapore-based ship to be popular among Australian and New Zealand guests when it launches in 2025.
In the air
In its update, United flagged its upcoming South Pacific network expansion, which involves 52 flights per week to Australia including the introduction of Brisbane-Los Angeles services and new routes to New Zealand.
As part of a massive fleet expansion, UA has ordered 700 new aircraft including up to 200 new B787 Dreamliner aircraft.
It also highlighted its commitment to achieving net zero Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 (without relying on traditional offsets), the first airline to make such a commitment.
Even more happiness
The next Disney Days event will take place in Brisbane on September 5, where Disney Destinations and its partners will host guests at an exclusive screening of the new Haunted Mansion film.
The event will then roll onto Perth (11th), Adelaide (12th) and Sydney (13th).
And if the first Disney Days soirée was anything to go by, expect a lot of magic at the remaining events.
Attendance at Disney Days is by invitation only. If you are a travel agent and are interested in receiving a place on the events’ waitlist, please email WDPR.DisneyDestinations.AUNZ@Disney.com
Earlier this year, Karryon attended an invite-only fireside chat and interview session with Disney Destinations’ Javier Moreno and Jeff Van Langeveld for an Australian exclusive sneak peek into new developments for the APAC region.
Karryon also got its hands on the concept art of Pixar Place Hotel at Disneyland Resort, the first fully Pixar-themed hotel in the United States.
And for your chance to WIN one of eight $500 gift cards throughout August and September 2023, thanks to Brand USA, click here. For more information on Brand USA, head to their industry site, traveltrade.visittheusa.com.au.
For more information on Disney Destinations, click here.
