Disney celebrates agents at spooky event packed with updates

Even though the a capella singing group The Cadaver Dans and the butler that roamed the room to meet with travel advisors were very much “dead,” yesterday The Walt Disney Company held a fang-tastic breakfast at the Fairmont Royal York that was alive with news and updates from its theme parks and cruise ships.

During the agent appreciation event, Marlie Morrison, managing director, marketing & sales; Canada/Japan/South Korea, noted that Canada is a top international market for Disney, following the U.K.

“We have had a really strong year out of Canada. 2024 has been extremely strong for Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line and that has a lot to do with you,” she shared.

Morrison highlighted the Canada Resident Ticket Offer, which gives clients 25 per cent (and in some cases up to 33 per cent) off on certain packages.

“Currency is a huge issue for Canadians — that Canadian currency difference,” she stated, adding that with bundled hotel offerings the offer can make a big difference when it comes to price.

Meanwhile, Jenny Rivard, wholesale sales manager for Canada, who was celebrating her 21-year work anniversary with the company, gave an update on what’s new and what’s coming to the parks from the launch of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom to a just completed multi-year expansion at Epcot.

“We have all new neighbourhoods, new attractions, everything from Guardians of the Galaxy to our new Moana inspired attraction in Epcot, new areas for our festivals,” she said.

As for what’s coming in 2025, a Pirates of the Caribbean themed tavern will open at Magic Kingdom and a Spaceship Earth lounge will debut at Epcot. Magic Kingdom is also set to get a nighttime parade called Disney Starlight. Also new, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is expanding with an additional tower. Breaking ground soon is the Tropical Americas expansion of Animal Kingdom, an all new land with Encanto and Indiana Jones attractions. A Cars land is also coming to Magic Kingdom with two Cars attractions, as is a new Villains land.

“And then, if we didn’t have enough new lands coming, over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we will have an all-new Monsters Inc. themed land and that will have an all-new suspended coaster where you’re going to be flying through the doors and finding new and exciting places,” Rivard said.

Looking ahead, Disneyland in California is also getting a Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and the expansion of the Haunted Mansion grounds will be completed soon. An all new animatronic of Walt Disney himself is also debuting at the Opera House on Main Street.

“That for me is really exciting, to be able to watch Walt walk and talk and be part of the lands again,” she shared. “Now, a big celebration is also on the horizon, Disneyland is going to be turning 70 years old.”

Lastly, new attractions are coming to Avengers Campus and the first-ever Coco attraction is in the works.

“Finally, we are going to be creating a new Pandora Avatar land in Disney California Adventure. It will be water themed based around The Way of Water and upcoming movies that have not yet come out,” she shared.

Leaving the land behind and heading out to sea, Jason Stremble, business development manager, outlined what was new with Disney Cruise Line. By 2031, Disney will have 13 ships in its fleet. The next to set sail is Disney Treasure, debuting in December, which will have an adventure theme and is slated for seven night sailings so a variety of shows will be on offer.

“Then next year we have Disney Destiny, which starts in November, that one has a really exciting theme with it — heroes and villains. I’m just really excited about it,” he said.

Based off 101 Dalmatians, the ship will have a lounge and piano bar called Deville.

Also coming out in 2025 is Disney Adventure, based out of Singapore, which will be the largest ship in the fleet with 6,500 passengers.

“So that’s exciting and then the next ship after that will be based out of Japan and then four more ships after that,” he said. “So really, the future is bright with Disney Cruise Line. There’s a lot to come”

Editor’s note: Disney theme parks and Disney Springs will be closed in phases beginning at 1:00 p.m. today due to Hurricane Milton.

• Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park will close at 1:00 p.m.
• Magic Kingdom park, EPCOT and Disney Springs will close at 2:00 p.m.

It is likely the theme parks will remain closed on Oct. 10. This includes the cancellation of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom park on Thursday. Event tickets will be refunded.