Avalon is preparing for a long-term partnership with Disney Cruise Line, as the City Council unanimously approved an agreement allowing the company preferential access to Avalon’s anchorage outside the harbor. This decision paves the way for a structured relationship between the city and Disney, ensuring financial benefits, tourism growth, and enhanced visitor services over the next several years.
City Manager David Maistros shared that the agreement is set for five years, with two optional five-year extensions, positioning Avalon as a key destination in Disney’s cruise itinerary. Under the new agreement, Disney Cruise Line will have preferred schedule access to Avalon’s anchorage on Tuesdays year-round and Saturdays from mid-September to mid-May.
The deal guarantees 120,000 passengers per year, with Disney financially committing to that number regardless of actual attendance. Additionally, Disney will pay an extra $1.50 on top of the existing $7.50 wharfage fee, bringing the total fee to $9 per passenger. This rate will also be subject to annual 2.5% increases to ensure ongoing financial support for the city.
Disney’s cruise ships are expected to carry 2,500 to 3,000 passengers per trip, primarily during the shoulder seasons and winter months. According to Maistros, this agreement will not increase the number of cruise ships visiting Avalon annually. Instead, it aims to balance financial benefits with manageable visitor flow, ultimately leading to a decrease in overall cruise passenger volume while securing more revenue for the city.
Beyond financial commitments, Disney has pledged additional contributions to improve the visitor experience in Avalon. The cruise line will provide design and engineering services to support local infrastructure, as well as guest service and efficiency training for Avalon businesses. These efforts aim to enhance visitor satisfaction and ensure local businesses are prepared for the influx of Disney cruise passengers.
Maistros emphasized that the agreement aligns with Avalon’s long-term goals. “This partnership makes sense because Disney shares our values and concerns as a city,” he said. “It strengthens our ability to offer a high-quality experience while securing financial stability.”
The agreement was met with enthusiasm from both Disney Cruise Line representatives and local tourism leaders.
Disney Cruise Line’s Jose Fernandez expressed appreciation for Avalon’s support, noting that while the company’s relationship with the city is still relatively new, it has quickly become a favorite stop for both guests and crew members. He emphasized that Catalina Island and Avalon are critically important to Disney Cruise Line’s growth strategy.
Love Catalina Tourism Authority President and CEO Jim Luttjohann praised Disney’s commitment to working with both large and small tour operators, adding that local retailers consistently report some of their best business days when a Disney cruise ship is in port. He described Disney’s presence as a badge of honor for Avalon, reinforcing its reputation as a world-class tourist destination.
City Councilmember Lisa Lavelle also highlighted the stability this agreement brings to Avalon’s tourism industry. “In the past, no cruise company was willing to sign an agreement like this,” she said. “This not only guarantees financial support, but it also strengthens our long-term relationship with Disney and our community.” Lavelle expressed hope that other cruise lines might follow Disney’s lead, providing Avalon with further financial security for harbor maintenance and future projects.
While the agreement was met with general support, some community members raised concerns about the size of the cruise ships and their impact on the city. Resident Janey Hall questioned whether Avalon could handle the influx of thousands of passengers at once, noting ongoing concerns about crowding, water use, sewage, and trash management.
Mayor Anni Marshall acknowledged these concerns but emphasized that the agreement with Disney was a separate issue from broader cruise ship regulations. She reassured residents that studies on Avalon’s capacity for handling cruise ship passengers are conducted annually, with a formal resolution for reconsideration brought before the council every two years.
Maistros added that the structured agreement with Disney provides a level of control, ensuring that Avalon maintains a balanced approach to cruise tourism. He reiterated that Disney’s preferred days remove availability for other cruise lines, effectively limiting additional growth in cruise traffic.
The new agreement with Disney Cruise Line is set to take effect in September 2027, marking the beginning of what many see as a transformative partnership for Avalon. With financial guarantees, training programs, and infrastructure support, city officials are optimistic that this collaboration will provide long-term benefits for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
As Avalon navigates its future as a premier cruise destination, this agreement lays the foundation for a sustainable and carefully managed tourism industry, ensuring that the island continues to thrive while maintaining its unique character and charm.
