The 1990s were a huge growth period for the cruise industry. Since cruising became a viable choice for families looking for a vacation, Disney realized they needed to enter that market in order to attain those travel dollars that be spent elsewhere. On May 3, 1994, Disney announced plans to create its own cruise company, known simply as the Disney Cruise Line. They spent the next 4 years in development and in 1998, Disney launched its first ship, the Disney Magic.
Part of the unique experience a traveler gets on the Disney Cruise line is a stop to Disney's own private island, Castaway Cay. Once known as Gorda Cay, this island once was a stop for drug traffickers in the 1970s and 80s. Disney purchased the island from the Bahamian government and broke ground on their new port of call in May of 1996.
Disney realized that having a ship was the first step into capturing a family's vacation dollars, but it soon realized the need for expansion. It quickly commissioned a second ship, the Disney Wonder. The new ship was swiftly built and was ready for its maiden voyage on August 15, 1999. With their own private island, two huge family-oriented ships, and the Disney theme, this new cruise line began to cut into some of the major cruise operator's profits.
Realizing they were missing out on the West Coast cruising market, Disney began experimenting with cruises out of the Port of Los Angeles in 2008. These cruises all travelled up and down the west coast of Mexico, known as the Mexican Riveria. In addition to their 7-night cruises, they also began 15-night cruises on which travelers could go from Florida to Los Angeles through the Panama Canal.
After running two ships for a decade, Disney plans to expand its cruise line with two new vessels. The Disney Dream will be ready for passengers in 2011, which will be followed up by the Disney Fantasy in 2012. Both these ships will be larger than their predecessors and be able to hold more passengers. Disney Cruise Lines will remain headquartered in Port Canaveral through 2022.
