Disney Destinations hosted a keynote event in Dubai to celebrate new announcements for Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line and Disneyland Paris.

Exciting news was shared and the invitees discovered in premiere what’s new and what’s next across the three Disney Destinations.

“There is no better place than our Disney Destinations to build lifetime memories. This year, we are bringing unique experiences, making our Disney Destinations the ultimate family vacation destinations for the GCC region. With direct flights from Dubai to Florida, US and to Paris, France, the magic of our Disney Destinations is easy to reach from the GCC region”, said Brigitte Elmkies-Sitbon, director of International Sales and Marketing, Disney Destinations International.

Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World Resort announced that Pandora – The World of Avatar will open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Saturday, May 27. Inspired by Academy-award winning filmmaker James Cameron’s box-office hit, “Avatar,” the new 12-acre land will immerse guests in the lush world of Pandora about a generation after the film’s human-Na’vi conflict.

The magical new land will transport guests to a mystical world of bioluminescent rainforests, floating mountains and soaring Banshees. Two main adventures will beckon Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests:
riding a magnificent Mountain Banshee, guests will soar across Pandora on Avatar Flight of Passage. This high-tech adventure will offer a thrilling flight through the jungles and floating mountains, and over the majestic oceans of this colorful world. On the family-friendly Na’vi River Journey guests will sail down a sacred river hidden within a glowing rainforest. The expedition will end in an unforgettable encounter with a Na’vi Shaman, a figure who has a deep connection to the life force of Pandora.

Guests will also be able to dine at Satu’li Canteen, grab a drink at Pongu Pongu or shop for Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits, and more at Windtraders.

Walt Disney World also announced that Disney’s Animal Kingdom recently opened Rivers of Light, an all-new nighttime show. Rich in symbolism and storytelling, the elaborate theatrical production takes guests on a breathtaking emotional journey – a visual mix of water, fire, nature and light all choreographed to an original musical score.

Celebrating the adventurous spirit of world travellers and explorers, Tiffins is the newest signature restaurant at Walt Disney World Resort, part of the largest expansion in the history of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.

The new nighttime experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom also include post-sunset adventures on Kilimanjaro Safaris, allowing guests to travel through the African savannah amid the artfully created orange glow of the setting sun during evening hours of operation.

The expansion completes the transformation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom from a day into nighttime theme park with captivating offerings and extended entertainment.

Pandora – The World of Avatar is a creative collaboration by Walt Disney Imagineering, Cameron and Lightstorm Entertainment to bring to life the mythical world of Pandora.

Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line announced the 2017 summer itineraries. Disney Cruise Line will sail on new itineraries and to new ports, including first-time visits to new destinations in Alaska and Europe. This summer, Disney Cruise Line also returns to Norway, the British Isles, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

For the first time, Disney Cruise Line will visit Amsterdam, Netherlands, known for its elaborate canal system, tulip fields, windmills and world-class museums housing works by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh.

On May 13, the Disney Magic embarks on a 15-night transatlantic crossing from Port Canaveral, Florida, to Copenhagen, with a stop in Amsterdam along the way. This itinerary also includes a call on Portland, England – another first-time port for Disney Cruise Line. Portland is a short distance from Stonehenge, the prehistoric ring of standing stones monument that is one of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval World.

A visit to Amsterdam also will be part of a 10-night northern Europe itinerary that departs June 18, from Copenhagen, Denmark, to Dover, England. Other ports on this sailing include Warnemunde (Berlin), Germany; Stockholm, Sweden; Helsinki, Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia; and Tallinn, Estonia.

The grand tour of Europe continues throughout the summer with limited engagements in the Baltic, Norwegian fjords, Iceland, British Isles and the Mediterranean.

Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris presented its 25th anniversary. To celebrate this special event, an exciting journey awaits guests in the brand new Disney Parade. With dizzying new floats, new music, a plethora of Disney Characters and new costumes, Disney Stars on Parade will dazzle guests of all ages.

Speaking of exploration, the galaxy far, far away is finally within our reach with two new special Star Wars attractions: Star Tours: The Adventures Continue and Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain. Immersive experience guaranteed. The festivities continue with two new daytime shows which take place near Sleeping Beauty Castle.

As a stunning finale, Disneyland Park also introduces the all-new nighttime spectacular show Disney Illuminations, featuring state-of-the-art technology.

“With the opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar at Walt Disney World Resort, new itineraries launched with Disney Cruise Line and the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Disneyland Paris, there are a lot of magical moments awaiting our Guests coming from the GCC region”, said Elmkies-Sitbon.

The Disney Destinations Keynote took place at VII Lounge in Dubai on March 7 in an event hosted by Elmkies-Sitbon as well as Brigid McDonnell, head of Sales International Markets, Disney Destinations International and Damien Vayne, head of International Press Relations, Disney Destinations International. - TradeArabia News Service