Aussie and Kiwi agents transform into Disney Stars

Since its launch in 2006, over 1000 Australian and New Zealand travel agents have graduated from Disney Stars, the online training site featured as part of the Disney Travel Agents website – www.disneytravelagents.com.au.

The Disney Stars program allows travel professionals to complete learning modules about Disney Parks and Resorts around the world, with tiered levels separated into Bronze, Silver and Gold all designed make the experience scalable.

Last year, Disneyland Resort, Anaheim and Walt Disney World Resort Orlando, were the focus of the program and tt was very well received in the industry, with Sean Harrigan, Travel Industry Marketing Manager for Disney Destinations International saying, “Feedback from Disney Stars graduates who completed the 2006 course was that the experience was informative and fun, and a great way to learn all about the Disney Parks.”

In 2007, the Disney Stars program has expanded to include two new modules – a refresher course for the 2006 graduates and a comprehensive guide to Disney’s newest park, Hong Kong Disneyland, with the 2007 refresher module targeted to last year’s Disney Stars graduates, this single level module containing information on the Year of a Million Dreams.

This initiative – based on the commitment of Disney Parks and Resorts in the US to making a million dreams come true this year – is currently running at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.

Those eligible to complete the Refresher course will be automatically taken to this level when they log into the Disney Stars program.

The Hong Kong Disneyland module is divided into three levels and by completing this module, travel agents will learn about the Park, the two outstanding Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Hotels and the incredible attractions and entertainment offered both inside and outside Hong Kong Disneyland Park.

Disney is keen for all graduates and new trainees to complete the Hong Kong Disneyland module and to add a little incentive, previous graduates who complete the Refresher and Hong Kong Disneyland modules and new Disney Star graduates are eligible for some great gifts.

These include Disney plush toys, key rings and the exclusive Disney Stars pin and they all receive a Disney Stars 2007 Certificate.

3-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Tickets are also available to all first time graduates and previous graduates who didn’t utilise these tickets in 2006 will get another chance on completion of the 2007 modules.

Experiencing the Disney magic first hand is the best way to inform and sell the Parks to your clients and this year.

Disney is also running an exclusive promotion for new graduates who are completing the modules for the first time.

From March to June 2007, Disney will conduct a monthly incentive draw and each month ten new graduates will win an exclusive Disney sketch, hand drawn by Disney animators and winners can nominate what character they’d like to be sketched. The animator will then draw a one off, original sketch personalised with each winner’s name.

Winners can choose Mickey Mouse, Stitch, Tarzan, Ariel, Simba the Lion King – the choice is endless, with winners will be drawn at the end of each month.

They will be contacted by email to find out what character they want drawn up.

All new graduates are eligible – so if you complete the course in March, you’ll have four separate chances of winning one of these exclusive sketches.

A Special Disney Report by The Mole