Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/44484
Disney fleet. Remy on the Disney Dream is Disney Cruise Line's first premiere adult-din- ing option. District Lounge is a great place to relax and take in the live piano music and other forms of entertainment. Stop by 687, Disney's modern interpretation of a tradi- tional pub. Pink is an upscale cocktail lounge. Skyline is a chic "sky bar" with ever changing views of city skylines. Evolution is a contem- porary nightclub for your dancing pleasure. On Disney's private island Castaway Cay adults have their own private beach. At Serenity Bay there are two-person hammocks to enjoy with your spouse. Private ocean- side cabanas are great venues for luxurious spa treatments. Group travel on a Disney cruise has never been easier whether it be for social club, family reunion, affinity groups or multi- generational travel. Disney offers everything from cham- pagne toast and fresh fruit moments after boarding to a pri- vate reception in one of the many entertainment and dining venues complete with Disney characters. David J. Giardino, Worldwide Group and Convention PR manager says the most important message to deliver is "our flexibility to work with each individual group to deliver unique, unforgettable experience onboard our ships." For keynote and other visual presentations that require audio-visual equipment the Walt Disney Theatre (Decks 3 and 4) has a capacity of 1,340 and the Buena Vista Theatre (Decks 4 and 5) can hold 400 on the Disney Dream. The Walt Disney Theatre on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder has a seating capacity of 977 and the Buena Vista Theatre is a 268-seat cinema style setting. Regardless of the ship, each of these theatres has start-of- the-art equipment with projection screens, Dolby surround sound and plush seating. For groups in the 600-person range Disney can offer a pri- vate dining rotation each evening of their cruise. These facil- ities can also be utilized as event space during the day. Similarly, nightclubs in The District (Disney Dream) are avail- 40 Kids enjoy fun moment on Disney Dream able during the day for breakout sessions and smaller events. On Castaway Cay there is no single space dedicated exclusively for groups, but the venue lounge space on the island such as the Heads Up Bar can be used for functions. The total capacity is about 100. Couple enjoys stroll along Castawy Cay Beach Groups booking all of the ship's suites and concierge staterooms can privatize the con- cierge area to create an ultra-exclusive oasis for attendees. These suites and deluxe staterooms provide a new level of personalized services. The exclusive-access concierge level boasts a private lounge and sun- deck, upgraded ameni- ties and the services of a dedicated concierge staff. Disney offers corpo- rate group agreements with pricing and conces- sions negotiated based on overall business needs. When it comes to families booking at the corporate rate, Disney's minimum group size is eight staterooms – 16 full fare guests on the same sail date. Group bonus dollars are offered to travel agencies, which allow agents the flexibility to create their own unique offer- ing. Direct guest groups will receive onboard credit. That amount varies based on the length of the cruise. To arrange a meeting or group gathering onboard one of these great cruise ships go to disneymeetings.com or call (321) 939-7221. Those of us in the travel industry always hear about low season or shoulder season when looking to save a little money. While Disney frequently has special offers and pro- motions in the marketplace, the all-inclusive nature of a Disney cruise means you can probably find a good value at virtually anytime of year. The launch ofDisneyMagic charted a new course in cruis- ing and the Disney Wonder further solidified that journey. The Disney Dream and the soon to be launched Disney Fantasy promises to continue the wonderful tradition of Disney and the "Magic" launch just over a decade ago. Black Meetings & Tourism September/October 2011: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com