Disney Western Port?

[makaylee]

Please tell me it is true and not just a rumor! Is Disney really going to have a western port or is it just a possibility? This would be so wonderful for me. I am so tired of paying $900 to fly to Florida every time I want to go one a cruise. This is a huge part of our budget. I am always so jealous of the people who live close enough to drive to the port, it would be so much cheaper. Does anyone know where the ship would sail? Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii? Maybe rotate between them. Gosh I'm so excited at the possibility I can hardly stand it! Can someone please give me some info on this before I explode Thanks!

 

[Lloyd Dobler]

At this point, it's just a rumor. I'm a bit of a skeptic, so I'll believe it when the line actually announces it. The main fuel for the rumor is that Matt Ouimet, who was formerly the president of DCL, has recently become president of the Disneyland Resort. Further fuel comes from the Disneyland 50th anniversary celebration, which will take place in 2005. The logic goes that they can combine DL resort and cruise packages. I can't say I fault the logic.

The realist in me thinks that since both ships currently sail full out of Port Canaveral, there's really no reason to reposition one. DCL has not indicated any plans to do so. They'll often hedge and say things like, "we're investigating the possibility."

The parallel rumor is that the line is building a new ship or ships. This is highly unlikely, as no shipyard is claiming to be doing so. So, if a contract is signed today, it will likely be late 2005 or more likely early 2006 before a third ship is in service. That one might just come out here. I'm with you in hoping for it, but I'm not anticipating it anytime soon. Maybe we'll be pleasantly surprised.

 

[makaylee]

I just called DCL and they said they are trying to get 2 more ships in the works, but are waiting for the price of the euro to fall. She said it is a possibility that one of the ships will be in california, but nothing is certain of course. I think it is only fair dont you? People who live in florida do not have to pay to fly AND they have discounts offered to them throughout most of the year. If that were so for me I would cruise ATLEAST once a year. Not trying to take away anything from the people in Florida but I think we deserve a ship over here. I'm sure Disney wouldn't have a problem keeping it full. In the mean time I will pray.

 

[kcashner]

2 additional ships with a West Coast US port has been rumored/in the works for years. Supposedly, plans to start building the next ships were postponed after 9/11. The rumors are starting to fly pretty fast and furious again, and eventually will happen. It's just a matter of when. Supposedly the plans have been drawn up, and they know they will build 2 in tandem rather like the Magic and Wonder as this is the most economical way to accomplish things. Alaska has been talked about for a long time....someday....What we know for sure is that it will be 2 years after they really start building.

The original plans were for a "fleet" of 7 ships, with one being in dry dock for refurbishment each year.