Disney goes to Hawaii

[Sarangel]

Disney's looking to expand into the tour business:

Disney, the theme-park and resort giant, will be testing an expansion of its vacation business later this year, offering weeklong guided tours through the wilds of Wyoming and Hawaii.

The company says Disney will run 15 tours this summer at a "test" cost of between 56-hundred-dollars and 78-hundred-dollars for a family of four, airfare not included.

The company says if the 30-person group tours prove popular, they may become a fixture and could be expanded to other destinations.

Details are still being worked out for the tours, titled "Escape to Paradise" and "Quest for the West." But promotional materials promise surfing lessons and volcano tours on the islands of Oahu, Hawaii and Kauai, and horseback rides through Wyoming's cowboy country of Jackson Hole, Grand Teton and Yellowstone.

 

[MarylandPirate]

COOL!

 

[Peter Pirate]

I know I'm virtually alone in my thinking, but I think Disney has missed the boat on profitability and publicity by not entering the Las Vegas market. I know lots of people cringe at the thought of Mickey and gambling, but in retrospect look what has happened in Vegas. I see the Bellagio Fountains, the whimsy of the Excallibur, the wave pool and beach scene at Mandalay Bay and can't help but think that Disney could have done this stuff and attracted families, even thought the family trend is now out of vogue in Vegas.

Just my warped interprutation of things, I guess.

 

[DancingBear]

Mr. Pirate, the last sentence of your post is the telling one. The family vacation angle in Vegas has been a huge bust. Disney was smart to stay away from there.

I'll be interested to see what Disney does with these guided vacations. What do they think they can do different/better than others with this? Obviously, they did well with the cruise line, but how do they make a guided tour a "Disney" experience?

 

[Peter Pirate]

Only a bust on the big scale DB, lots and lots of families are still visiting Vegas. The bust was the actual kiddie attractions but I can't help but think that Disney could have done it better. As for being smart to stay away, I don't know. Gaming can be very, very lucrative and when you look at what Disney could have advanced with, I'd think they'd have become one of Vegas's big players. Of course it's 'sin' money and many don't want that. But I like Vegas and I like Disney and if Disney had a casino in Vegas that's probably where I'd stay and play.

As for the guided tour idea. I don't get the draw? Who want's to be led around by high priced guides? I mean this service is already out there and I don't see it as being a huge industry. If I go to Hawaii I think I'd rather explore it on my own...Like most folks.

 

[raidermatt]

Vegas would be a PR nightmare for Disney (regardless of whatever subsidiary they created/bought to do it).

I'm in agreement on the guided tour idea. I don't see it doing much on any kind of scale, but then again, I've been wrong before.

 

[DancingBear]

Only a bust on the big scale DB, lots and lots of families are still visiting Vegas. The bust was the actual kiddie attractions but I can't help but think that Disney could have done it better. As for being smart to stay away, I don't know. Gaming can be very, very lucrative and when you look at what Disney could have advanced with, I'd think they'd have become one of Vegas's big players.

The Cruise Line set itself apart in part by getting rid of the casino on board. What would a Disney hotel offer to facilitate the gaming by the adults? Huge kids clubs, with fold-out beds for when the parents stay out into the wee hours? There's your PR nightmare in the works.

I have no doubt Disney could have done things better than MGM/Mirage, etc., but is Vegas where you want them to do it?

 

[Laurajean1014]

Disney and Hawaii, what a prefect match!

 

[raidermatt]

Disney and Hawaii, what a prefect match!

Well, putting a DVC property there might be a different story, but again, just having guided tours.... I don't know.

Disney is about wonderful fantasy that feels real. Hawaii is about wonderful reality that at times feels like a fantasy.

What is Disney going to bring to the table on this? Or are they merely trying to capitalize on their name again?

 

[Disneycrazymom]

A Disney Cruise in Hawaii would be great! As for a guided tour, I don't think it will go over too well. When we were in Hawaii, with kids, there was plenty for them to do, I don't think Disney could change how we toured to much. But of course one of the best parts of Disney is that they can take a simple everyday thing and turn it into something magical.

 

[luckyforlife]

Sounds interesting.

I think a Disney Cruise in Hawaii would be great

 

[jazstar87]

the only thing about disney cruise to hawaii is that the boat will have to go another country before return to america. unless the ship was made in america.... but if that happen hawaii will be great, i have never been but i am still young.

 

[Lil_Tink]

When I first came to this board i was thinking a theme park.. thats cool but as i like in hawaii... no perks for me

Oh well gotta love WDW

 

[westjones]

If this is true, our family would be interested. We have never been to Hawaii and have talked about going. If there was a 'Lilo & Stitch' theme going, my kids would love it!

I hope this really happens.

DJ