No plans for a dedicated airline, Disney says
Just like a typical Disney movie, news of a dedicated Disney airline seems to have been a fairy tale fantasy.
After fan site JustDisney.com posted rumors the Happiest Place on Earth was going airborne, Disney officials shot down the idea, saying they have no plans to launch an airline.
Many media outlets took the bait, reporting the ‘news.’
The site claimed Walt Disney Co was looking to buy small regional airlines to build up a Disney branded carrier serving Orlando from major airport hubs such as Chicago, Detroit and New York.
Citing insider knowledge, the proposed inflight service would include the new Disney + streaming service at each seat, as well as airport character meet and greets before takeoff, it reported.
Livery would have traditional Disney themes and it would offer Disney themed snacks and drinks.
JustDisney said it was targeting a 2021 launch.
Disney responded by denying the claims.
It told news outlets including The Sun that the rumors were ‘unfounded and incorrect.’
Still, the rumors were not that far-fetched as the company has made no secret of its wish to own more of the guest travel experience.
The cruise line is well established and Disney is speaking with Virgin Trains USA about a direct link to parks from Orlando.
It currently operates the complimentary bus service Walt Disney Magical Express from Orlando Airport for hotel guests.
Although Disney vacation packages include flights, it is one of the few parts of the guest journey that the company doesn’t have operational control over.
It has worked with airlines before on branding projects and could perhaps be looking at a Virgin-style licensing agreement.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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