Many Disney fans have speculated if not outright hoped, that Disney would open its own airline. Many also wondered whether or not a small airport could have been built at Walt Disney World Resort.
Over the years, Disney has had many partnerships with airlines and airports.
The New Mickey’s Toontown Express
In keeping up with these partnerships, Alaska Airlines debuted a new ‘Mickey’s Toontown’-themed airplane. The custom-painted plane features Mickey Mouse and his friends at Disneyland Resort.
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However, this is not the first time Disney and Alaska Airlines have worked together to create a unique experience for Disney Fanatics. In fact, there have been eight different Disney-themed planes that have been introduced by Alaska Airlines.
“It’s heartening how much our Disneyland Resort-themed airplanes spark joy in our guests — young and young at heart. What makes this even more special is the return of Mickey Mouse on an Alaska Airlines plane since he made his debut on our fleet eight years ago,” said Alaska Airlines senior vice president of marketing and guest experience. “Alaska’s long-standing relationship with the Disneyland Resort has helped to create unforgettable experiences for our guests and employees. As a family-friendly airline, it speaks to the care we strive to show every day with these special touches.”
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Previous iterations have included larger-than-life versions of Toy Story characters like Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Jessie to promote Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure Park.
Alaska Airlines also partnered with Disneyland Resort to promote Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge by debuting a plane with the iconic Millennium Falcon on the tail chased by TIE fighters.
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The new Mickey Mouse and friends themed airplane is being called the “Mickey’s Toontown Express”. It is designed to visually promote Disneyland Park's reimagined area, including Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
The Boeing 737-800 is painted with playful images of Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Donald, and Daisy in Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland Park. It also includes Chip ‘n’ Dale on the boarding doors and winglets.
The Disney airplane took artists over 400 hours and 20 days to hand-paint.
First Flight
After the big reveal, guests on the plane's inaugural flight visited “The Happiest Place on Earth” at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. The flight included priority boarding for families with children under two and family seating at no additional charge. There were also coloring books, the popular Kids’ Choice Picnic Pack, and Jetsetter’s Jam Sandwich for guests in premium and main cabins.
Alaska Airlines revealed a new aircraft themed to Mickey’s Toontown. pic.twitter.com/17mJonIq6Z
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) November 1, 2023
Additional family-friendly offerings included onboard activity books and snack packs (featuring Mickey Mouse and friends).
“Our relationship with Alaska Airlines is more than 25 years strong and truly celebrates the magic of Disney,” said vice president of marketing and commercial strategy at Disneyland Resort, Sybil Crum.
Airline guests can fly Alaska’s “Mickey’s Toontown Express” for the next few years until its regular rotation ends.
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Perhaps one day, Disney will take the plunge and sink money into its own special airline. But in the meantime, we must make do with the beautifully themed “Mickey’s Toontown Express” from Alaska Airlines.
