Disney Cruise Line has announced a new season of cruises in Australia and New Zealand – and the news is expected to spark a second wave of parental distress as Australians rushed to book cabins for their families.

Set to begin from October 2024 and go through until February 2025, the announcement comes as Disney’s highly-anticipated first Australian season nears.

Bookings will open for general sale from June 27, 2023, and those disappointed when the first season sold quickly are likely to rush their advisers, even though the prices are considered quite high.

A four-night cruise to Hobart out of Sydney, for instance, is on the line’s site at $3,879. A four-night cruise to Brisbane on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas starts at $514 per person.

Rebecca Mason from Mr Chocolate Travel says she’s never seen cruise demand like she did for Disney’s first sailings. “We’ve had people crying on the phone because they desperately want to get on the cruise. I booked a lot of cabins and have seen nearly no cancellations, people are so excited for the Disney experience.”

Mason says the Disney sailings are attracting cruise veterans and new sailors alike.

“As well as experienced cruisers, there are lots of clients who are completely new to cruise and the Disney drawcard made them interested.”

The new season is set to be no exception, with repeat customers already locking in.

“I feel like there is a definite interest for the new season. I feel there will be many repeat clients sailing on the next years cruise ship. Many of the clients are keen for the onboard experience. Many have not ever been to Disneyland with that dream still being on their bucket list this is the next best for them.”

Having cruised with P&O, Cunard, Carnival and Holland America before sailing on Disney Wonder with her family, Mason says Disney elevates the entire experience.

“Disney is next level. The kids club, the experience is immersive, the characters actually come and play with the children. The entertainment is Broadway quality. They make everyone feel important and special and nothing’s a problem, they’re very high energy and inclusive.

“Even compared to going to the Disney Parks like in Anaheim, you get much closer interaction with the characters and a more personalised experience.”

Ms Mason recounts plenty of memories of spontaneous dance parties, Disney themed trivia, hanging out in the ships French quarter, outdoor Disney movie screenings, free room service, farewell fireworks and more. She says the space was great for her 14 and 17 year old kids who sailed with her, but that the sailings would tick all the boxes for kids of all ages.

“The Edge and Vibe spaces were great for them. They even got to do a flash mob and be part of the pirate show and got along with the counsellors and staff on the ship. For the younger kids, it’s even more immersive and magical, but the ships are set up for children of any age.”

The itineraries will range from two to seven-night cruises, sailing out of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland on Disney Wonder. Disney Wonder will also handle Australia’s first season, with a capacity of 2400 passengers.

Sailings include a new seven-night cruise and visits to ports like Eden, Hobart and Noumea.

Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager, Disney Cruise Line said: “We were thrilled by the incredible response to our inaugural sailings in Australia and New Zealand and can’t wait to return in October 2024.

“We look forward to bringing the magic of Disney to this beautiful part of the world as we welcome both returning guests and those who are new to our special brand of family cruising.”

The ship is home to 11 decks, packing in restaurants, pools, recreation spaces and of course all the Disney excitement and characters guests would expect, across Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars. Broadway-style shows including “Frozen: A Musical Spectacular” will be shown onboard in the Walt Disney Theatre.

Disney Wonder is the exclusive home to Tiana’s Place, a New Orleans-inspired restaurant and live music venue, where guests can meet Princess Tiana, as well as enjoy an animation show while dining where the restaurant comes alive with colour and characters.

Details of Ms Mason’s travel company, can be found on this link Mr Chocolate’s Travel pre-registrations