Travel Agent - May 12, 2008 - (Page 54)

CRUISES “TOY STORY–THE MUSICAL!” Disney production creates quite a buzz AGENTS OFTEN REMARK THAT ENTERTAINMENT IS NICE, but it isn’t the main reason people cruise. But having been onboard Disney Wonder at Port Canaveral, FL, during the introductory event for the new show “Toy Story–The Musical,” we might beg to differ—at least where this new one-hour musical extravaganza is concerned. Susan J. Young Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the rest of the lovable characters from the movie Toy Story are now captivating the hearts of cruisers. “It’s Broadway quality and there’s nothing like it out there on the seas,” says Ed Fouche, Disney Destinations’ senior vice president of travel industry sales and marketing, who chatted with Travel Agent at the rollout event. He said the new show is yet another amenity that will help agents pitch Disney’s “entire package” as a family-focused cruise line. In addition, “it will be very helpful to repeaters,” Fouche notes. “If you’re a travel agent selling to a guest who has sailed on us before, then I think it becomes a bigger hook, as the agent can say, ‘Oh, you have to go see this!’” David Griffith, travel consultant, AAA Auto Club South, Melbourne, FL, hasn’t yet seen the show, but concurs with Fouche’s assessment. “Anytime Disney comes out with something new, my clients get really excited, they’re ready to go onboard to check it out and they’re looking for an excuse to go. This is definitely something that will appeal to my repeat customers, no doubt about it.” Buzz Lightyear and Woody come to life onboard Disney Wonder BY SUSAN J. YOUNG What Can Clients Expect? The American Film Institute judged the 1995 Toy Story movie by DisneyPixar as one of the Top 100 Movies of All Time. Its sequel, Toy Story 2, was also a huge commercial success. Disney knew the movies would be tough acts to follow. Thus, Disney’s creative team began work on this cruise line musical in 2005 and spent subsequent years fine-tuning every element. Songwriters Brendan Milburn and Valerie Vigoda developed 15 different treatments for just one song before the final version was selected. So what did we think? “Toy Story—The Musical” delivers the charisma and storyline of the movie, and also brings to life 35 cherished toy characters and two human characters. Best of all, Woody, Buzz and friends now sing and dance. With seamless transitions, the new show utilizes a mix of live action, huge life-like puppets, colorful costumes, original music, captivating sets and a few animated movie clips. Your clients will find: I Broadway-quality performers: I felt I was watching an original Broadway show, not simply a new ship production. I Captivating entertainment: From a nine-foot-tall Rex to 75 cute little green “inflatable” aliens, this show is continually engaging, scene after scene. 54 | TravelAgent May 12, 2008 I Cutting-edge technology: As they watch, guests will wonder, “How did they do that?” For instance, the puppets have interior air conditioning to keep the humans that operate them comfortable. And, Buzz Lightyear’s costume isn’t fabric, but layers of foam imprinted with digital imagery. I Interesting contrasts: The action continually shifts from the toys’ perspective with gigantic props representing everyday objects to the humans’ perspective using tiny toys, and back again. For more information about “Toy Story—The Musical” including clips, agents may visit www.disneytravelagents.com. Yes, I’ve enjoyed many musical productions onboard cruise ships, but this production was exceptional. I wouldn’t be surprised to see it on a Broadway stage some day. But for now, your clients can see it on Disney Wonder for the price of a three- or four-day cruise, a good deal considering the cost of Broadway tickets for a family of four. I http://www.disneytravelagents.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - May 12, 2008

Travel Agent - May 12, 2008 Online Now Contents Contributors From the Editor From the Publisher Europe: Bruges Might be One of Belgium’s Best-Kept Secrets Hawaii: Condo Resorts Provide a Plethora of Vacation Choices Pacific/Asia: Manila has Plenty to Offer Visitors of Every Taste Alaska: Icy Strait Point Offers Authentic Alaskan Adventure Pacific Northwest: Airplane Buffs and Wine Aficionados Enjoy Washington Las Vegas: Let Your Hair Down at Some of these Casual Bars Central & South America: History and Culture Beckon in Guatemala Caribbean & The Bahamas: Recent Renovations Have Made the Westin Aruba Resort a Jewel of the Island Cruises: A New Musical is Making Waves on Disney Wonder San Diego Becomes a Major Cruise Port Cover Story: Top Tips for Selling in a Down Economy Rail Travel: Sightseeing and a Gourmet Meal on the Royal Livingstone Express Hotels: There is Plenty to Do at Ski Resorts in the Summer Tours: Photos from the 33rd Annual Mountain Travel Symposium Agent: Eric Ardolino has Won the Technology War Customer Relations: Ensemble Agents use CRM tools Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Luxury Travel Expo Jamaica Will License Casinos Enormous Cruise Ships are Planned ResortQuest Hawaii Continues to Grow 2008 TMU Conference Recap In the Spotlight Agent Access Classified Marketplace Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - May 12, 2008

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