Disney Wonder Sails Inaugural Trip to Hawai’i

DAPs Magic Disney News – PRESS RELEASE

Shipboard officers to host first-call ceremony events with community leaders 

KO OLINA, Hawai’i (May 4, 2012) – As the Disney Wonder sails on its historic trip to Hawai’i, the ship will call on multiple ports for the first time. Keeping with maritime tradition, Captain Fabian Dib will join shipboard officers and host local port officials and community leaders aboard the vessel for a traditional plaque exchange ceremony in the following ports:

• Friday, May 4 – Hilo, Hawai’i
• Saturday, May 5 – Kahului, Maui
• Sunday, May 6 – Honolulu, O’ahu
• Monday, May 7 – Nawiliwili, Kaua’i

“Bringing the Disney Wonder to the beautiful Hawaiian Islands marks a significant milestone in our history,” said Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line. “Blending the enchantment of Hawai’i with the magic of Disney is a natural fit. Hawai’i is one of the world’s most extraordinary vacation destinations, offering stunning scenery as well as rich cultural traditions and storytelling.”

Crew members and ship officials will bring a little Disney magic to the local communities in each port as a way of celebrating this monumental occasion. These events not only mark the first call of the Disney Wonder to these ports, but the first time Disney Cruise Line is sailing to the Hawaiian Islands. Due to the overwhelming popularity of Disney’s first Hawaiian cruise, the Disney Wonder will sail a second voyage in October.

The ship will sail seven-night itineraries to Alaska from Seattle, Wash. this summer before heading back to Los Angeles, Calif. to sail seven-night itineraries to the Mexican Riviera in the fall. At the end of the year, the Disney Wonder will reposition to Miami, marking the first time a Disney Cruise Line ship will sail out of Southern Florida.

Disney Heritage and Hawai’i
In August 2011, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts opened Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai’i. A first-of-its-kind resort, Walt Disney Imagineers worked hand in hand with the Hawaiian community to create a place that celebrates Hawaiian culture, history and traditions. From contemporary Hawaiian art to myriad recreational activities, culinary programs, excursions and more, guests are immersed in the legends of the islands. Recently, Aulani was named one of the world’s best new hotels on Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s 16^th annual “Hot List.”

Founder Walt Disney had an affinity for the Hawaiian culture, which continues to influence The Walt Disney Company today. From the 1937 Mickey Mouse animated short “Hawaiian Holiday” to the Polynesian theming of Disneyland’s groundbreaking Enchanted Tiki Room attraction, which debuted in 1963 and established the Audio-Animatronics art form, to the inclusion of Disney’s Polynesian Resort at the Walt Disney World Resort, Walt often pulled inspiration from Hawai’i and the Pacific.

Disney Cruise Line
Based in Celebration, Fla., Disney Cruise Line is focused on providing a setting where families can reconnect, adults can recharge and kids can immerse themselves in worlds of fantasy only Disney can create. Most recently, the company was recognized by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine as the top “Cruise Ships of the World,” with the Disney Magic being voted No. 1 and the Disney Dream and Disney Wonder tying for No. 2. Travel + Leisuremagazine also ranked Disney Cruise Line the No. 1 Large-Ship Cruise Line for Families.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit disneycruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at 888-DCL-2500.  Travel agents can call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or visit disneytravelagents.com.