Yay! More SGTs at sea!!

[BRWombat]

[font=Times New Roman]February 22, 2007

DISNEY ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF SUCCESSFUL CRUISE BUSINESS

Two New Ships Will More Than Double Passenger Capacity

BURBANK, Calif., (February 22, 2007) – The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) plans to expand its successful cruise business by adding two new ocean liners, President and CEO Bob Iger announced today. Scheduled to launch in 2011 and 2012, the ships will more than double the passenger capacity for Disney Cruise Line to meet the sustained demand for Disney's family cruise vacations.

The company signed a letter of intent with Meyer Werft shipyard, based in Papenburg, Germany, to negotiate a contract to build the 122,000-ton new cruise liners, which will be two decks taller than the existing 83,000-ton ships, the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder. Each ship will have 1,250 staterooms. Specific design plans and itineraries for the yet-unnamed ships are still in development and will be unveiled at a later date.

"Since our maiden voyage in 1998, Disney Cruise Line has been a huge success for our guests and for our shareholders alike," Iger said. "It has brought our unparalleled family vacation experience to the high seas, and has also generated high margins and double digit returns on invested capital. We're excited to announce the expansion of our fleet, which is a logical next step in what is a real growth business for us."

Disney Cruise Line established the family market within the cruise industry when the business launched in 1998. The first two ships were purpose built for families to reconnect and recharge while creating vacation memories that will last a lifetime. From a theater featuring live musical spectaculars to a luxurious spa for adults and nearly an entire deck dedicated to children's activities, the ships offer something for every member of the family. Disney Cruise Line continues to grow by attracting passengers who say they would not have cruised if it hadn't been for the Disney brand.

"Focusing on families has been smart business for us," said Jay Rasulo, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "More than 95 percent of Disney Cruise Line guests rate their cruise experience as excellent or very good. Families know they can trust us to provide a quality, immersive Disney experience. As a result, Disney Cruise Line continually sets sail with the highest load factors in the industry of nearly 150 percent."

Similar to the original Disney Cruise Line ships, the new ships will be a modern interpretation of classic ocean liners of the 1930s. Disney Imagineers drew their inspiration from the original trans-Atlantic ships that featured a dramatic black hull with two funnels and porthole windows. The profile of the ships, with its gentle curves at the stern combined with sleek angles at the bow, are reminiscent of the art deco designs of the era. To add whimsy to the classic design, the Disney ships have the same exterior color palette as Mickey Mouse with black, white, red and yellow. The new ships will feature elegant, detailed Disney scrollwork at the bow and will evoke images of the glamour of the golden age of cruising.

Tom McAlpin, the President of Disney Cruise Line, said, "This is an exciting time for Disney Cruise Line, and we are looking forward to working with Meyer Werft to blend our innovation and creativity with their fine craftsmanship. Meyer Werft has a long tradition of building magnificent ships. We are confident that the result will be ships that take the immersive Disney family-focused cruise experience to an entirely new level."

New itineraries

Disney Cruise Line, which traditionally offers 3-, 4- and 7-night Caribbean cruises, has also enjoyed strong demand for new itineraries. Trips to the Mediterranean and to the West Coast have recently set booking records within the company and booked 30-50 percent faster than the existing itineraries at higher prices.

"With a larger fleet, we'll have greater flexibility to offer a variety of itineraries," Rasulo said. "This is a business that our guests love, and we're pleased to give them more options to explore the world with Disney with two new ships." To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit disneycruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at (888) DCL-2500. Travel agents can call Disney Cruise Line at (888) 325-2500 or visit disneytravelagents.com [/size][/font]

[darph nader]

I think Walt would be 'proud' to a point.
But I can see/hear it now,"where's Pirates?" or "Is Splash Mountain at the back or front of the 'boat'??" :(

[EpcotFan]

I think Walt would be 'proud' to a point.
But I can see/hear it now,"where's Pirates?" or "Is Splash Mountain at the back or front of the 'boat'??" :(

Well putting theme park ride on a cruise ship, even as large as those ships are, would be a little difficult. However, I think Walt would have liked the idea of Disney cruises had he lived to see the boom in cruising that over the last 15-20 years. Remember, Walt had wanted to build a ski resort (Spirit King is my memory is correct). The accounts I've read indicated Walt wanted to put Disney entertainment into the resort although not necessarily rides. The Country Bears were originally intended for this resort and repurposed for Disneyland only after the resort deal fell through.

Let's face it, even assuming you put a ride on a ship, people would get bored of that one ride pretty quick. However, you can do high quality shows that can be frequently swapped out with little capital expense and the facilities even switched on a nightly basis perhaps.

[Panther007]

YES!!!, i was expecting one cruise ship that was one deck bigger (named Disney Dreams)

that is what i heard, and knew Di$ney would make another cruise ship, but i was kinda happy that they are making 2, and are 2 decks bigger

I can not wait for the New Ships to come

[Syndrome]

Speaking of Walt and what he would have thought of the ships (which I personally think he would have liked/approved of, too), here is a great DCL SGT:

In each of the staterooms there is a picture of Walt and Lillian on their honeymoon on an old ocean liner. I overheard a SG say to her friend:

"That picture in the room must be really old. I thought it was taken on the Disney Magic, but I guess if it was way back then, they had to be on the Big Red Boat."

(For those unfamiliar with DCL history, prior to building its own ships, Disney licensed its characters to appear on the Big Red Boat....waaaaaay after Walt was dead and frozen.)

[leftcoaster]

Let's face it, even assuming you put a ride on a ship, people would get bored of that one ride pretty quick. However, you can do high quality shows that can be frequently swapped out with little capital expense and the facilities even switched on a nightly basis perhaps.

How about a large water slide off the side of the ship ? ;)

[darph nader]

[quote="leftcoaster"]How about a large water slide off the side of the ship ? ]
Good idea left. "Would all people who would like a 'Roller Coaster' ride,Please line up on the port side of the boat, sorry, ship." Hell,in no time you'd have the whole cruise to yourself (Syndrome excluded) :D:

[Main Streeter]

[quote="leftcoaster"]How about a large water slide off the side of the ship ? ]left, this could be Disney's The Magical Shark Bait Attraction? :meat: You had better patent this cruise idea. Good luck! :D:

[Cheshire Figment]

Well they could put in DQ type attractions.

[Alyssa3467]

I can see it now...

* Kid goes skating by in Heelies or some knock-off brand
CM: No skating on the ship!
* Kid goes splash
CM: Man overboard! Starboard side!