Disney Air?

[JasonDVC]

Just thinking out loud...Disney has the parks, the resorts, the transportation to and from the parks and resorts. They have transportation from the airport to the resorts. It begs the question, would Disney thake the next step and open their own airline to bring people from all over the country to their parks and resorts. Your entire trip would be Disney.
1) The flight down
2) the bus ride from the airport to your Disney resort
3) transportation from your resort to the parks
4) and all the way back

hmmmm

 

[MrSplashMountain #1!]

Fingers crossed

Ive only just realised how much money Ive wasted booking through a TA tthen doing it through Disney and booking my flights separately.

Could have gone twice more in the last 3 years, but now the Mrs wont let me go again this year

 

[KYMickey]

I don't think forming their own airline will happen, especially in these economic times. Something that may happen however is a co-branding agreement of some kind with one of the existing airlines (Delta and Air-Tran come to mind). The agreement late even include specially painted planes etc. from major hub cities to Orlando.

The problem was starting their own airline outside of the economic investment is the necessity to not only serve major cities but also to feed those cities from smaller areas. The major airlines already have these systems in place so the co-branding idea makes more economic sense.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

The domestic airline industry lost billions of dollars last year. Disney likes to make money, not lose money.

It works out well for Disney the way it is. Around 63 airlines serve Orlando International Airport. There's scheduled non-stop service to around 73 U.S. destinations and 21 international destinations, with connecting service from hundreds more.

The airlines can fight it out with low fares for leisure passengers, often losing money in the process (with business travelers going to conventions in Orlando or having other business in Orlando often paying more).

Disney can make money from those leisure passengers once they get to Orlando.

Eastern and Delta each were the "Official Airline of Walt Disney World" at one time, but there's currently no "Official Airline." Presumably, no airline sees enough business benefit to pay the big bucks to be a Disney sponsor.

 

[JasonDVC]

I don't think forming their own airline will happen, especially in these economic times. Something that may happen however is a co-branding agreement of some kind with one of the existing airlines (Delta and Air-Tran come to mind). The agreement late even include specially painted planes etc. from major hub cities to Orlando.

The problem was starting their own airline outside of the economic investment is the necessity to not only serve major cities but also to feed those cities from smaller areas. The major airlines already have these systems in place so the co-branding idea makes more economic sense.

I thought about the co-branding as well with Disney graphics on the planes but Disney has their own Cruise Ships with 2 more on the way so they are used to such big investments.

They could also use the planes to fly guests to their ABD and DCL destinations.

It's just a thought but does seem like a "next step" idea.

 

[backyardponder]

I can see it now...Minnie & Mickey as flight attendants. Up front, Goofy in the left seat and Donald working the radios in the right seat.

Actually, this would be interesting if they would do something like this. Outsourcing, like DME to Mears, could be an option. I doubt, however, it will ever happen.

 

[jheigl]

I don't think this is totally out of the question...I could see Disney implementing this slowly obviously starting at major airports, such as Chicago, NY, LA, etc and if it does well, branching out over a long period of time. However, with that said, I don't think they would go for this.

 

[mrsR123]

I've gotta side with Horace HC on this one; Disney doesn't even want to run its own restaurants at this point. There's no way they'd get into the airline biz. That having been said, if they could get someone else in the industry to pay them for the privilege of painting that big red D and some mouse ears on the tail of their fleet, then Disney might bite.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

I'v gotta side with Horace HC on this one; Disney doesn't even want to run its own restaurants at this point. There's no way they'd get into the airline biz. That having been said, if they could get someone else in the industry to pay them for the privilege of painting that big red D and some mouse ears on the tail of their fleet, then Disney might bite.

Great point but not only restaurants mrsR123, but transportatin, valets, some housekeeping. They've already admitted they're not capable of running a 5 star resort, so no this isn't even a dream of anyone at Disney. Sure there could be a marketing agreement whereby Disney would let them slap pictures of Mickey on the plane or other such nonsense but that certainly isn't Disney to me.

Personally I don't need to fly with Disney nor do I need a Disney hotel away from the Parks, nor do I need Disney eggs, shampoo, toilet paper, deoderant, windshield wipers, gardening shears, dish soap, fabric softener, stool softener or anything else. Please everybody, encourage them to get back to basics, i.e. giving us QUALITY entertainment in the Parks and at the theatre!

 

[Brian_WDW74]

I don't think forming their own airline will happen, especially in these economic times. Something that may happen however is a co-branding agreement of some kind with one of the existing airlines (Delta and Air-Tran come to mind). The agreement late even include specially painted planes etc. from major hub cities to Orlando.

Co-branding with an existing carrier is a possibility. Disneyland currently has a relationship with Alaska Airlines that allows for themed aircraft. Here are pictures of the three jets currently in service:

Spirit of Disneyland

Magic of Disneyland

Spirit of Make-A-Wish

Tokyo Disneyland also has a similar partnership with JAL. I'm not saying that WDW has plans of its own along these lines, but I don't think that it's entirely out of the question.

 

[JasonDVC]

Those planes look great. I can see them doing more of the same. If people go for it, maybe they would expand the operation.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Disney is able to command premium (read: higher) cruise fares than their competitors because of their brand. But they have 3 to 7 days of a captive audience to deliver the higher quality experience that cruisers are willing to pay for. And Disney delivers it too.

Not so in the airline business. Airplane seats have pretty much become a commodity with passengers (most of the time) only willing to pay the absolute minimum fare. People are not willing to pay more for 2-3 hours of any experience, even a Disney experience on an airline. So a Disney airline will simply never happen.

BobK/Orlando

 

[mickey2000]

Just thinking out loud...Disney has the parks, the resorts, the transportation to and from the parks and resorts. They have transportation from the airport to the resorts. It begs the question, would Disney thake the next step and open their own airline to bring people from all over the country to their parks and resorts. Your entire trip would be Disney.
1) The flight down
2) the bus ride from the airport to your Disney resort
3) transportation from your resort to the parks
4) and all the way back

hmmmm

Sounds like I just lost my freedom

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Not so in the airline business. Airplane seats have pretty much become a commodity with passengers (most of the time) only willing to pay the absolute minimum fare. People are not willing to pay more for 2-3 hours of any experience, even a Disney experience on an airline. So a Disney airline will simply never happen.

My thoughts exactly. If paying a premium for better airline service was acceptable to most first class and business class would sell out first, nevermind the fact that airlines would actually offer this service on all flights domestically.

Fact is most American's don't value the price of transportation.

 

[Tjkane28]

The chances of the Walt Disney Corporation or any of its subsidiaries entering the airline business are nil.

Airlines lose money. Period.

Most travelers have a negative view of airlines. A picture of Mickey on the tail is not going to prevent "Disney Air" from losing luggage, being at the mercy of costly flight delays, or otherwise seeing their share of the horrors of today's air travel.

All this to lose money?

 

[mrsR123]

Co-branding with an existing carrier is a possibility. Disneyland currently has a relationship with Alaska Airlines that allows for themed aircraft. Here are pictures of the three jets currently in service:

Spirit of Disneyland
Magic of Disneyland
Spirit of Make-A-Wish

Tokyo Disneyland also has a similar partnership with JAL. I'm not saying that WDW has plans of its own along these lines, but I don't think that it's entirely out of the question.

This is just what I was imagining, but I didn't know it already was in practice.

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

The chances of the Walt Disney Corporation or any of its subsidiaries entering the airline business are nil.

Airlines lose money. Period.

Most travelers have a negative view of airlines. A picture of Mickey on the tail is not going to prevent "Disney Air" from losing luggage, being at the mercy of costly flight delays, or otherwise seeing their share of the horrors of today's air travel.

All this to lose money?

Last year airlines suffered from the high cost of fuel.....this year, the reduction in the number of tourists traveling. Airlines are dependent on unpredictable things.

Lets say - for grins - they opened service from Baltimore to Orlando. They don't want those seats to be empty so they only schedule 2 flights a day for only 3 days a week.

OMG there would be complaints. Read the travel board.....I have to fly after work and the latest flight is 7 pm.........Disney solves this by pushing back the 7 pm flight to 9 pm....next.......I don't want to be there at midnight.

From Baltimore Southwest offers up to 12 flights a day - non-stop - into Orlando......and I suspect they will be more affordable than Disney Air would be.


There are simply too many people with too many schedules for Disney air as a start-up. What does Disney Air do? They turn their non-stops into 1 or 2 stops so they can cover more of the US with fewer flights and fill those seats.

Ok....Now everyone is screaming for non-stop flights.

Lets not forget that just about everyone cheers for their cheep flights. Disney isn't going to be cheep....they have to fill the pockets of those executives. People will continue to flock to Southwest- of Delta or US Airways for their schedule choices and cheep flights.

As big as disney is......there are simply not enough of us willing to pay 10% or 15% or 25% more for the expensive disney flight vs the affortable and convenient Southwest or Air Tran ticket to fly to Orlando.


Bottom line - No way Disney Air is going to offer a premium experience in the air. IT'S DISNEY - they will find a way to charge you for everything from luggage checked to peanuts. Earlier poster is right.....they will run with too few baggage handlers and they will loose some luggage....things will break and we all know they will squeeze in the maximum number of passengers for profits <---it's ALL about profits for Disney now....pad those executives paychecks!


It would be curious to see how fast Disney Airline would go away.

Partner with another airline - perhaps......paint a Mickey on a jet or two.....ok, that's possible. Do you really think that is the best vehicle for their advertising dollar?


When Southwest expanded at BWI they painted a jet with the Maryland flag and she is called ... Maryland One. I have seen here ONCE --- and I fly all the time.

Disney Air - not much chance.

Ok, fingers are tired......opinions have been expressed......won't bore you anymore.

 

[ChrisFL]

actually I think it's the really bad drag and ineffeciency of having those huge mouse ears on the front of the plane sticking out that would be the biggest problem

 

[CanadianGuy]

actually I think it's the really bad drag and ineffeciency of having those huge mouse ears on the front of the plane sticking out that would be the biggest problem

THIS! Chris Wins!

Seriously tho - I can't see it. This airline thing is not a typically strong money maker in recent years.. add to that ...

1. I don't care who flies the plane. I care that it's done safely, efficiently and that I don't have to pay more than $238 (all in) for my seat on it. I bet I'm like a lot of people.

2. The 2-3 hour flight experience isn't a great opportunity to sell you something else significant. Maybe a DVC presentation.. hahaha.. seriously tho, Disney makes so much coin on the extras ... I don't see enough extra's here.

3. Magical Express is offered because it supposedly means a captive audience at their resorts ... less going off-site and more spending the green with Disney. I don't see that argument anywhere for an airline.

Co-branding - sure. Their own airline? I don't see it.

Knox

 

[Spectro is #1]

Just thinking out loud...Disney has the parks, the resorts, the transportation to and from the parks and resorts. They have transportation from the airport to the resorts. It begs the question, would Disney thake the next step and open their own airline to bring people from all over the country to their parks and resorts. Your entire trip would be Disney.
1) The flight down
2) the bus ride from the airport to your Disney resort
3) transportation from your resort to the parks
4) and all the way back

hmmmm

Jason where are your seats? Can't wait for TO opening night in Foxboro!

Anyway, Your number 2 is not run or owned by Disney. Mears is contracted to provide all outside and some inside transportation, this includes Magical Express. Luggage delivery to and from the resorts and the airport is handled by a contractor too. It has been like this way before Magical Express. DCL buses were always run by Mears even though they were painted to look 100%Disney owned. (1998)
Years ago I went on the Back Stage Magic Tour. It is a 7 hour tour that visits 3 parks and our bus for the day was a Mears Motor Coach.
So, if the airline thing were to happen it would most likely be a contractor.