It’s an opening that is promising to be unlike any other in its history and what Disney’s CEO is calling ‘unprecedented”, the opening of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge this summer. (May 31 Anaheim, August 29, Orlando).

Though there’s understandably lots of buzz surrounding the opening, agents need to be aware of a special reservation system that will be in place. Although a date for the system has not yet been announced, all visitors to the “land” will need a reservation to get in.

“For the first three weeks, you will have to have a reservation to get in,” Claire Bilby, Senior Vice President of Sales, Services & Events for Disney tells us. “If you don’t have one, you will not get in those first three weeks unless you are staying at one of our three hotels at which point, you are guaranteed one reservation (per party during the stay)”.

Bilby was speaking to media at Disney Destinations Events Discover the Magic Tour hosted by the Disney Travel Agency Sales team held Monday night in Toronto. The event was attended by 200 members of the travel industry including agents, District Sales Managers and industry.

“While we’re really, really excited for Star Wars, we are being very transparent with agents and our guests, not everyone will be able to get in. We can’t guarantee access just because you have a ticket to the park doesn’t mean you’ll get into Star Wars.

What I can assure you is there are no better operators than our Disney theme park teams in California and Florida and they will figure out how to maximize and make it the best experience possible.”

After the first three weeks there is some expectation demand will slow down, though agents should stay tuned to Disney for further announcements with updates.

During her presentation to the group, Bilby highlighted the importance of agents in communicating to their clients the latest news and updates to facilitate a smooth booking process. She also shared feedback and changes the company was making as a direct result of listening to agents such as:

- More is being done online including pre-booking of Disney Cruises, Castaway Club

- Memory Maker is now commissionable

- New in-room celebration packages available for big events such as Mickey’s 90th this year – these are still booked over the phone, but are also commissionable

- Faster sending of information, including more toolkits and selling tools available, including an e-brochure in English

- More training to allow agents to live their clients’ experiences, allowing them to recommend better, including webinars with special guests such as Imagineers

- Faster updated information on Disneytravelagents.ca where anything launching on the consumer side will launch simultaneously for agents giving all the information agents need to know

With so much to look forward to at Disney Parks this year – yes, Star Wars is not the only big announcement – TravelPulse Canada talked to Sandra Pappas Halket, Founder, Clickthemouse.ca about why agents specializing in Disney and the training and support they receive is so important.

“Business in Canada is incredible, there are Disney fans are all over Canada,” says Pappas Halket. “It’s great to have specialized travel agencies across the country that actually cater to Canadians.

There’s a difference between a Canadian and an American traveller to Disney. We have to look at our dollar, we have to look at flights because not all of us can drive. It’s a huge difference. We know the ins and outs, we know where deals are, and we can help the traveller enjoy their experience.”

Adds Pappas Halket, “I started my company because of a love for Disney, and just wanting to give that experience that our agents have had through the training and FAMs we’ve done. We plan a trip for our clients that we would plan for ourselves. It’s an extension of what we love, we want everyone to have a good time.”