Disney Airline?

I was listening to this very interesting man today that claims he works for Boeing International. According to him, Disney is planning to announce they're very own airline. Providing service from 12 major US cities to their parks in both Florida and California.

Has anyone else heard anything on this? I don't know the guy, so I can't say that he would be a reliable source or not.

Seems reasonable on a charter basis.

Heck Allegiant already does it to Sanford which is really closer then MCO.

Huh. This seems like a dang stupid time to start an airline, just look at JetBLue's stock prices the last several years. I wouldn't rule it out just on the basis of craziness, though. What would be REALLY interesting is if Disney finally opened their own Airport.

It's not really unprecedented. I don't know if they still do it, but Elko, Nevada used to have it's own airline to get people to come out for cheap gambling junkets.

Personally, I think it's a marvelous time for them to start an airline. If they can give low airfare and bury the cost in higher prices elsewhere in the parks (heck, just raise the soda prices) then they might be able to get some of the lost visitors that they have lost to high energy prices.

MagnumsRevenge said:
Seems reasonable on a charter basis.

Heck ATA already does it.

ATA do not do it actually, as they have completely liquidated. I'm pretty sure there is no merit to this rumor, as Disney should probably just partner with an already existing alliance or airline. It's really a hard time for all airlines and who knows where fuel will go.

ThemeDesigner said:
Huh. This seems like a dang stupid time to start an airline, just look at JetBLue's stock prices the last several years. I wouldn't rule it out just on the basis of craziness, though. What would be REALLY interesting is if Disney finally opened their own Airport.

Disney could not get enough room in So-Cal to open an airport and besides why would they? They have 3 good-sized to Jumbo airports in the area:
Los Angeles Internation LAX
Long Beach LGB
John Wayne Airport SNA
and an hour away Burbank Airport

They should do like what Sea World does with south west and partner:

I personaly saw this plain in real life taxing to a runway thats how I know about it

http://www.southwest.com/images/photo_gallery/shamu1.jpg

One problem: Southwest is the ONLY domestic carrier (and especally the only budget carrier) with the smarts and finacial stability that might do such a thing. Plus, they probably have a VERY long-tearm contract w/ SW, especially if they painted up three planes for them.

As for Disney building their own airport, they might have enough land to do it in Florida. There might be one hiccup: the air traffic control system.

You don't need to own an airport to have your own airline.

If I was a significant Disney shareholder, I'd wonder why they'd want to enter such a horrible industry.

My airport comment is in reference to an airstrip that was built on WDW property but never really utilized. At one point it was planned to accomodate private jets for visitors coming to the resort.

Idon't know if Disney could make money on an airline unless it washighly specialized or packaged with hotel and park tickets, etc. I dothink they could find a small niche in major American cities where theycould provide a premium airline experience to their parks. This couldaccommodate their clientele who don't mind spending a little bit moremoney to take say a Disney Cruise or participate in one of their new"Disney Adventures" guided tours which are actually doing remarkablywell since their debut a couple years ago.

I don't see themopening an airline with the number of routes that even touch majorcarriers, but if they had 5-10 specialized routes it could be aprofitable market for them.

And as far as competing with prices, where does Disney go for the lowest prices? Their budget resorts to get below $100/night, but other than that, they are proud and smart to stay a premium experience. If they went along with their airline, who says they will do it to compete with Southwest prices? Having said this, I will be surprised ifthey actually do have plans to do so.

If I was a significant Disney shareholder, I'd wonder why they'd want to enter such a horrible industry.

Me too. This seems like a boneheaded move to me---the costs to run this in a way that offers truly differentiated service would seem to limit the market they can serve. I suppose if it's sort of between private jet and commercial service in terms of amenities (and price) they could make a go of it. Maybe.

Jeff said:
You don't need to own an airport to have your own airline.

If I was a significant Disney shareholder, I'd wonder why they'd want to enter such a horrible industry.

I think they see an opertunity to bring service back to an industry where there is none left. I can see them wanting to sell the package, and knowing how people will pay 2x to stay on site, etc.

But I agree this is a horrible idea. Seriously, P Diddy can't fuel up his jet anymore, what about Mickey?

Man, it is hard enough to get out your stuff from the overhead bins. Could you imagine Mickey trying to serve juice with that big head? ;)

I wouldn't mind a few flight attendants dressed up as Snow White, Belle, and Cinderella . . . :)

^You missed it: Hooters Air already went under.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hooters_Air

I actually think that could work. Why?

Because of Disney premium pricing. And, they would find a way to monetize every single aspect of taking the flight. From airport parking, to inflight movies/games, size of seats, food, drinks, customer service, security, transportation to/from the park. There is a section of the market that would pay a premium for direct flights to WDW. Whether or not that can make it a profitable business for Disney standards is left up to the analysts.

So pretty much do what all the other airlines are doing now?

crazy horse said:
So pretty much do what all the other airlines are doing now?

Goofy will be doing it while everyone is twirling their towels in the air a la Chef Mickey's, making it delightful and magical! Huzzah!

With fuel prices shooting through the roof and competition becoming more fierce, why would ANYONE want to enter the airline business? Perhaps my simple analysis is shallow, but it seems unlikely.

I think Disney has a reason: To become verticaly intergrated on the guest service front. They already have their own shuttle service from the airport to get you to their hotels.