Behind Disney’s Next Big Bet: IP at Sea

As a lifelong Disney enthusiast and frequent traveler, I must say that the launch of the Disney Treasure has truly taken my breath away. Growing up, I would eagerly await each new animated film, enchanted by the tales of adventure and friendship that unfolded on screen. To now have the opportunity to step into those stories and immerse myself in their world is an absolute dream come true.

The attention to detail and thoughtfulness put into every corner of the ship is truly astounding. From the Star Wars-themed cargo bay, where I felt like a real-life stormtrooper, to the Skipper Society, where I could kick back and relax with my fellow Disney fans, each experience feels tailor-made for those who hold a special place in their hearts for all things Disney.

The best part, though, is that this magical escape doesn’t have to end when the ship docks. With the Disney Treasure set to double its fleet by 2031 and expand into new home ports around the world, I can’t wait to see where my next adventure will take me.

And as a bonus joke: I guess you could say that the Disney Treasure is like the Enchanted Tiki Room, but instead of singing birds, it’s singing pirates!

On a crisp autumn night in New York City, numerous drones elegantly hummed above the Hudson River, forming an intricate pattern overhead as they hovered above a vessel bobbing on the water’s surface in the darkness.

Subsequently, there was a lively march of various creations belonging to Walt Disney Company, accompanied by tunes from beloved Disney movies. The drones assumed the roles of different characters or scenes, such as Genie (from Aladdin), Madame Leota (The Haunted Mansion), and Dante (Coco).

Or:

After that, a series of Walt Disney Co.’s intellectual properties unfolded, set to melodies from classic Disney movies. The drones transformed into different characters or scenes, like the genie (from Aladdin), Madame Leota (The Haunted Mansion), and Dante (Coco).

Or:

Next came a succession of intellectual properties by Walt Disney Co., each accompanied by music from famous Disney movies. The drones morphed into characters or scenes, including the genie (from Aladdin), Madame Leota (The Haunted Mansion), and Dante (Coco).

Ultimately, with “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana playing softly, drones took shape to create the Heart of Te Fiti above the ship, and the vessel’s lights illuminated one by one. In a spectacular conclusion, the drones formed a sparkling champagne bottle, and the voice of Disney CEO Bob Iger declared the grand opening of the Disney Treasure, the latest addition to the Disney Cruise Line fleet.

Or

To wrap it up, as “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana filled the air, drones arranged themselves into the Heart of Te Fiti above the ship, and lights adorning the vessel began to shine. In a fitting finale, the drones shaped themselves into a popping champagne bottle, and Disney CEO Bob Iger announced the debut of the Disney Treasure, the newest member of the Disney Cruise Line fleet.

Moments prior to the drones ascending from the water, Iger spoke to a gathering of invited attendees within a venue situated at the Chelsea Piers sports facility along Manhattan’s western coastline. The event space offered a panoramic view of the Disney Treasure floating some hundreds of feet away on the Hudson River.

On stage alongside Josh D’Amaro, Disney Experiences chairman, and Mickey and Minnie Mouse dressed as ship captains (Iger humorously commented, “It feels like I’m being outshone here”), the Disney CEO proudly showcased the Treasure as an embodiment of everything that Disney fans cherish.

Ever since the debut of Disney Cruise Line in 1998, our vessels have taken on the role as ambassadors for our exceptional storytelling, mirroring the immersive atmosphere of our theme parks, reaching fresh audiences and exploring new destinations globally,” Iger stated.

Without a doubt, no entertainment company has managed to capitalize on its intellectual properties quite like The Walt Disney Company. Its movies spawn television series that later transform into theme park rides and attractions, eventually evolving into stage shows and ice shows. Characters from these productions can be seen popping up in various locations worldwide.

On its inaugural journey on December 21st, the vessel known as The Disney Treasure stands out as an almost perfect demonstration. This ship is adorned with Disney characters and intellectual properties at every corner.

Some elements are quite apparent, such as the large bronze sculptures of Aladdin and Jasmine that welcome you upon embarking the ship in the Grand Hall, or when the ship’s horns play familiar Disney melodies. Other details, though, are more discreet, like a tiny statue of Hei Hei, the chicken from Moana, who perches on the bar side at the Hei Hei Cafe.

As a lifelong fan of Disney and Pixar films, I have always dreamed of immersing myself in the magical worlds they create. The idea of stepping into a Coco-themed dining venue that transports me to the vibrant village of Santa Cecilia is nothing short of enchanting. Having experienced the captivating live musical show during my meal would be an unforgettable experience, truly making me feel like I am part of the story.

Similarly, the allure of a bar based on The Haunted Mansion attraction at Disneyland and Disney World is irresistible. The moment I step inside, I envision myself back in my childhood, riding the “Doom Buggy” through the hauntingly beautiful mansion. This would be an incredible opportunity to immerse myself once more in the world of this classic Disney attraction, making for a truly unique and memorable experience.

Additionally, there are certain establishments that lean towards the abstract, such as a jazz bar with a vaguely Aristocats theme named The Scat Cat Lounge, or the Skipper Society, which is inspired by the Jungle Cruise and incorporates references to the famous attraction subtly throughout its decor.

Jason Roberts, from Disney Imagineering, mentioned that our goal was to create an onboard experience of those attractions that feels unique and fresh, so you can enjoy them in a way you haven’t before. He shared this in the Sarabi Lounge, a space with hints reminiscent of the beloved animated film The Lion King.

The Treasure drew inspiration from the themed areas found in Disney’s amusement parks when creating its own venues, which are often based on Disney movies and intellectual properties.

Speaking as a creative mind behind the divisions responsible for creating those theme park attractions, I believe authenticity was the key element. To illustrate this, let me run through some specifics in the Haunted Mansion Parlor: ghostly reflections in mirrors above the bar, pictures on walls that subtly transform, and a tank filled with swimming skeleton fish. Every detail, from the wallpaper to the unique chair designs and bat-shaped wall fixtures, contributes to this sense of authenticity. Our aim was for you to feel like you’re truly in The Haunted Mansion. We wanted you to be an active part of the story, fully immersed and enveloped within it.

Or the Skipper Society, offering an atmosphere reminiscent of a tavern frequented by the jovial crew members following their Jungle Cruise shifts, where camaraderie and witty banter flourish.

As a fan, I’m noticing that it might not be as engrossing, but the clues are everywhere, even the cheesy, cringeworthy jokes – they’re plastered on the walls,” I say. “The ceiling over the bar, it gives you the feeling that you’re aboard one of those boats from Jungle Cruise. That’s the essence we were aiming to capture. We wanted you to feel like the experience was happening right in front of you, and you were an integral part of it.

As a seasoned traveler who’s sailed on several cruise ships, I can confidently say that the entertainment experiences on board the Disney Treasure are second to none. Having grown up with Disney movies and theme parks, it was a dream come true to step aboard a ship where every aspect of the voyage is infused with the magic of Disney. From the immersive themed areas to the captivating stage shows, I found myself constantly amazed by the attention to detail and sheer creativity that went into creating this floating wonderland.

The programming on board was diverse and plentiful, catering to a wide range of tastes and ages. Whether you were in the mood for a lively dance party or a quieter, more intimate performance, there was always something to suit your fancy. And let’s not forget about the character interactions – meeting Mickey, Minnie, and their friends never gets old!

Overall, I can honestly say that the Disney Treasure raised the bar for cruise ship entertainment, and I eagerly await my next adventure on board this enchanting vessel.

Disney is introducing a fresh Broadway-style stage production on the Treasure ship, titled “The Tale of Moana“, marking its first-ever adaptation from the animated film. The show features a duo of comedic actors, Coriander and Sage, who conduct Indiana Jones-themed quizzes and offer enchanting performances of films such as Encanto during special occasions in the Grand Hall. These unexpected moments are designed to captivate and amuse guests.

There are indeed movies showing simultaneously in two venues, one being onboard and another up on a giant screen near the pool area. Additionally, there are special, cozy instances of entertainment, such as when characters like Chewbacca, Spider-Man, or Belle pop up at the kids club to engage children in interactive missions or tales.

Jenny Weinbloom, Vice President of Live Entertainment at Disney Signature Experiences, explains that the company employs multiple viewpoints to determine which intellectual properties (IP) they can and should utilize when creating shows for their cruise liners.

We’re pondering over what our guests are fond of, which narratives capture their hearts and they wish to delve deeper into. As Weinbloom explains, we’re considering the franchises that the company is committing resources to for the long haul, believing these will endure relationships across future generations. Since the shows on these ships have a prolonged lifespan and run for a considerable period.

As a seasoned gamer with years of immersion in various gaming worlds, I can confidently assert that while gameplay mechanics might initially capture our attention, it’s the narrative structure that truly defines an exceptional experience. Just like how a great storyline can make a movie unforgettable, a compelling plot is what makes a video game truly shine. It’s not just about the thrill of victory or the challenge of overcoming obstacles; it’s about being drawn into a rich, immersive world and following a captivating narrative that keeps us invested from start to finish. So, in my experience, if a game has a strong storyline that resonates with players, it will undoubtedly stand out among the sea of gaming options available today.

Moana, she notes, checked all the boxes.

Disney Experiences serves as a crucial element in the company’s success, acting as a bridge between intellectual properties (IP) and reality, and creating heartfelt memories for fans. Over the next ten years, the company plans to invest approximately $60 billion into this division, with a significant portion allocated specifically for the cruise line industry.

However, what sets Disney Cruise Lines apart from other entertainment companies is that it’s the only one able to transport its intellectual properties globally through cruise ships. While others may have IP in theme parks, none can replicate this unique global travel experience.

At the christening event for Disney Treasure in New York on November 19th, D’Amaro emphasized the strength of Disney storytelling within its cruise line, specifically acknowledging Bruce Vaughn, the chief creative officer of Disney Imagineering who was present. Notably, the role of the Imagineers is to utilize Disney intellectual properties and devise means for fans to engage deeply with these stories.

He observed that this was an extraordinary period of growth for Disney Experiences, with the Disney Cruise Line aiming to double its current number of ships by the year 2031. Intriguingly, it has two new ships scheduled to debut in 2025: The Disney Destiny, which will sail from Florida, and the Disney Adventure, which will be based out of a port in Singapore.

That’s a lot of room to showcase IP.

Increasing the size of our fleet emphasizes the significant financial prospects for our division. According to Morgan Stanley analyst Ben Swinburne, our cruise division might generate around $10 billion in revenue and $3 billion in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) by 2031. To put this into perspective, the cruise business at the end of this decade could potentially have an EBITDA larger than ESPN in 2024.

Roberts explains that when designing each vessel, the Imagineers delve into Disney’s abundant narrative legacy to uncover a common motif or element that ties the assorted elements of their intellectual property together, creating an immersive experience that makes visitors feel as though they’re truly transported away.

For the Disney Treasure, that theme is adventure.  

Roberts notes that virtually every animated movie has a touch of adventure, regardless if it’s the tale of Mulan or Miguel in ‘Coco’. In essence, they are all embarking on an adventure in their own unique way.”

Or, more casually:

“Roberts points out that whether it’s Mulan or Miguel from ‘Coco’, animated movies usually have some kind of adventure going on.

The concepts also extend to other Disney intellectual properties, such as a restaurant themed around Marvel with a mission to aid Groot, or a sports bar, The Periscope Pub, inspired by the classic Disneyland attraction 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, featuring underwater-themed decor and images of swimming sharks overhead while patrons enjoy their drinks and watch games. In the near future, this approach will also be implemented for non-Disney intellectual properties, with characters from the popular children’s show Bluey set to appear on Disney cruises departing from Australia and New Zealand starting in January.

A distinctive opportunity lies here: Marvel films are screened globally, yet Disney has theme parks in just a few spots. Disney is wagering that the Disney Cruise Line can replicate some of that enchantment in ports distant from these parks, such as Singapore, Australia, the U.K., or Vancouver, Canada.

The Disney Treasure serves as a symbol of the grand ambition Disney has for the coming years. While live experiences derived from intellectual properties (IP) are becoming increasingly prevalent, it’s only Disney that is significantly investing in delivering these experiences by sea to fans globally.

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2025-01-01 19:56