Karryon attended an invite-only fireside chat and interview session with Disney Destinations’ Javier Moreno and Jeff Van Langeveld during IPW23 for an Australian exclusive sneak peek into new developments for Disney and the APAC region.
With Disney100 celebrations in full force for the Walt Disney Company’s 100th anniversary in 2023, the US-based Disneyland Destinations welcome the return of international travel.
Disney Destinations Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales & Events Javier Moreno said Disney Cruise Line also marks 25 years in 2023 with the debut of new ship Disney Wish this year and Disney Treasure in 2024.
“We’ll also be presenting an exclusive new island destination in the Bahamas, Lighthouse Point, in 2024, which is going to be an incredible addition to the experience,” he added.
New for the Asia-Pacific region
For the APAC region, Mr Moreno said they were looking forward to the launch of the sell-out Disney Magic at Sea sailings in Australia and New Zealand from October this year.
“We’re very focused on launching the first season for Australia and New Zealand. The sales were phenomenal and surpassed our expectations very quickly, so we’re excited about that,” he said.
“We know that many Aussies and Kiwis are also excited about it and that’s our focus at this point. But the good news is the cruise business is expanding into the region and we will have a ship based in Singapore for five years, planned in 2025.”
While Australia is an important market, Disney Destinations Vice President, International Marketing & Sales Jeff Van Langeveld said visitor numbers had not bounced back as quickly as hoped.
“As you know, that market was one of the last to really open for international travel. And I think Australians have been more cautious than we had hoped. We are seeing improvement and we’re seeing it accelerate. So, we’re feeling optimistic about it,” he said.
New products and travel advisor love
Disney has also just launched a 4-Park Magic Ticket for USD$99 per day for one-day entry to all four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort valid until 29 September 2023.
Regarding the popular 10-day Park Hopper passes to Disneyland Resort for Australian and New Zealand residents, which is currently not available, while there were no immediate plans to bring it back, Mr Van Langeveld said they are always looking at the right ticket products for each market.
“It’s always a possibility but at this point, the four-day $99 per day ticket will be available in Australia and New Zealand as well,” he said.
The duo said travel advisors are a crucial piece of the success of the destinations to showcase the richness of the Disney experiences to different audiences.
“Travel agents and tour operators are such an important part of our business and we want to communicate our gratitude for them,” Mr Van Langeveld said.
Lots of Disney to discover
As Disney looks to the future, Mr Van Langeveld said overseas travellers who have not visited Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort recently have plenty to experience for the first time.
“Within five years, there have been 50 new or reimagined attractions and entertainment offerings and that’s just at Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World in Florida,” he said.
“If you haven’t been to Walt Disney World or Disneyland within the last five years, and most international guests have not because of the pandemic, there’s so much that will be new and so much to do when they do return.”
For more info, head to disneyparks.com.au