|
Disney Cruise Line plans to open a London office this summer and send some employees from Central Florida overseas.
A company spokeswoman said that about 20 employees will be stationed in the United Kingdom office, though not all will be people transferred from Central Florida. The operation there will be led by Tom Wolber, Disney Cruise Line's senior vice president and the company's No. 2 executive.
Disney Cruise Line currently has about 3,000 employees, about 1,000 of whom work in land-based operations at its Celebration headquarters, at Port Canaveral or one of several other locations.
Spokeswoman Christi Erwin Donnan said Disney Cruise Line is hoping to increase its presence internationally. The London office will also ensure Disney is "well-positioned to tap into the European market and competitively recruit new talent."
Disney is having two new liners built in Germany, which will double the size of the company's fleet to four ships when they arrive in 2011 and 2012. Many industry analysts expect Disney will then opt to base a ship permanently in Europe.
Resorts offer new deals
Both Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World recently announced new free-dining packages that will be available for some guests staying in the resorts' on-property hotels during the late summer or early fall.
Universal's package will provide free dining for two people at select locations in Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure when they book a minimum three-night stay at one of the three Loews Hotels there and buy two-park ticket packages. The deal includes unlimited dining plus soft-drink fountain beverages.
Guests must book their trip between now and June 1, for travel between Aug. 17 and Oct. 9.
Disney World's package is available to those who purchase "Magic Your Way" packages for late August or early-to-mid September. People who purchase five-night, six-day packages that include resort-hotel rooms can receive the Disney Dining Plan at no additional charge.
They must book between now and June 22, for a stay between Aug. 24 and Sept. 20.
The plan includes one quick-service meal, one select snack and one table-service meal for each night of a guest's package stay. Gratuities and alcoholic beverages are not included. Children ages 3-9 must choose from the children's menu if one is offered.
More than 100 restaurants throughout Disney World participate in the program.
Orlando Sentinel
|
