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Hope for a Disneyland in Victoria has not been lost, as the Disney ship sails into Melbourne

Dreams for a Disneyland in Victoria remain alive, as a “magical” union between Disney and an Australian designer launches and Disney sails into Melbourne.

Aussie designer goes Disney

The prospect of a Disneyland style theme park in Victoria at some stage in the future has not been ruled out.

David Fox, the man behind Avalon Airport’s business opportunities and son of trucking magnate Lindsay Fox, said an entertainment precinct had been earmarked for the airport’s vast tract of land, about halfway between Melbourne and Geelong.

“There’s an entertainment precinct that we’ve defined. I wouldn’t say (for a) Disneyland at this moment in time, but anything is possible,” he said.

“We are working with the state government and they are going to be making some announcements next month. In regards to other parts of the precinct, we need to get the rail connectivity lined up.”

While a Disneyland theme park at Avalon is not on the cards in the near future, “anything is possible” for its earmarked entertainment precinct, says the airport’s boss. Picture: Disney
While a Disneyland theme park at Avalon is not on the cards in the near future, “anything is possible” for its earmarked entertainment precinct, says the airport’s boss. Picture: Disney

It was revealed last year a slice of Disney could have been in Victoria’s backyard years’ ago if the 2005 hopes and dreams of billionaire, philanthropist and Avalon Airport owner Lindsay Fox had come to pass.

The plan for a Disneyland theme park was backed by local leaders and politicians at the time.

While Disney Parks and Resorts Australia/New Zealand said there was no merit in it, a spokeswoman for then Victorian Tourism Minister John Pandazopoulos confirmed Disney executives had visited Avalon.

Disney maintained secrecy throughout the entire process and ultimately no plans came to fruition, with Avalon remaining an airport (albeit an increasingly quiet one) and industrial hub.

A Mad Hatter's tea cup ride at Disneyland in Paris, France.
A Mad Hatter's tea cup ride at Disneyland in Paris, France.

It comes as Australian designer Camilla is set to cash in on the huge selling power of Disney, with “something magical” the popular label promises will launch within weeks.

In a teaser video called Camilla: Disney, posted to social media this month, the label previews its signature boho range being worn by babies and children, in a magical Disney-inspired setting, with the words “Coming soon: March 2023”.

In January celebrated designer Camilla Franks told News Corp her label had collaborated with Disney to incorporate Mickey and Minnie Mouse into the designs.

“This is one of those pinch-me moments,” she said.

“When you grow up as a little girl, you have these dreams and I feel like all of my childhood dreams have come true with this.

“I was always completely in love with Disney, I think every child is.”

Australian designer Camilla is set to cash in on the huge selling power of Disney.
Australian designer Camilla is set to cash in on the huge selling power of Disney.
Camilla collaborates with Disney in a “magical” riot of colour.
Camilla collaborates with Disney in a “magical” riot of colour.

Disney is also set to finally sail into Australia later this year, with cruises of two to six nights taking place between October 2023 to February 2024.

Disney Wonder, which originally launched in 1999, will set sail from four new home ports – Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Auckland.

“We are so excited to bring the magic of a Disney cruise vacation close to home for guests in

Australia and New Zealand,” Josh D’Amaro, chairman for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, said.

On-board will be Disney characters Captain Mickey Mouse, Captain Minnie Mouse, Goofy and Pluto, and entertainment including original Broadway-quality shows.

Guests will also enjoy dining experiences with imaginative restaurants including Tiana’s Place, where they can meet Princess Tiana and Animater’s Palate, an interactive dining experience that celebrates Disney animation.

Kids will also have their own Frozen adventures in Disney’s Oceaneer Club, along with a multi-level replica of Andy’s Room from Toy Story and a Marvel Super Hero Academy.

Originally published as Hope for a Disneyland in Victoria has not been lost, as the Disney ship sails into Melbourne

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Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/victoria/hope-for-a-disneyland-in-victoria-has-not-been-lost-as-the-disney-ship-sails-into-melbourne/news-story/d8f149ea145a11d590d415c00177797e