Disney Is Building Floating Theme Parks to Target Rich Indians, New Markets
India is one of the world’s fastest-growing travel markets, and the entertainment giant’s cruise line wants in.
A rendering of the Marvel Landing zone—and its Ironcycle Test Run rollercoaster—on the forthcoming Disney Adventure cruise ship.
Source: Disney ExperiencesWhen it launches its largest-ever ship in late 2025, Walt Disney Co. is hoping it will be filled with a lucrative and fast-growing set of travelers it’s never targeted: Indians and Southeast Asians.
The 6,700-passenger Disney Adventure—a takeover of bankrupt Genting Hong Kong’s half-completed, €1.8 billion ($1.9 billion) World Dream—is expected to begin sailing in December. In a deal with the Singapore Tourism Board, Disney has committed the ship to sail year-round for at least five years from the Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore. From there, Disney Adventure will head out on three- and four-night itineraries to nowhere, effectively functioning as a floating version of a theme park that’s been designed to appeal to the India and Southeast Asia market. Consumers in these markets seeking the Disney experience typically head to Shanghai, Hong Kong or Tokyo to visit Disneyland and Disney Resorts.