Southwest, Disney World celebrate joint 50th birthday

Dhaka: Southwest Airlines has partnered with Disney World on a commemorative co-branded Boeing 737-700 to mark the 50th birthday of both companies.

The aircraft has been painted with 50th-anniversary logos of Southwest Airlines and Walt Disney World Resort and received a special interior makeover. Southwest is also giving away a free trip to Disney World for four people every single day for the next 50 days.

A Boeing 737-700 (N954WN) has been adorned with 50th-anniversary logos of both companies and given a Disney-themed interior makeover.

Brandy King, Director, Public Relations, Southwest Airlines, said, “Celebrating 50 years of making memories during our shared milestone anniversary is at the heart of this magical collaboration with the Walt Disney World Resort.”

The surprise unveiling ceremony took place at Southwest Airlines Technical Operations Hangar at William P Hobby International Airport. Cast members from Walt Disney World Resort performed classic songs to mark the occasion, and even Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse showed up.

The plane’s first stop with its new makeover will be at Orlando International Airport, home of Walt Disney World Resort. The aircraft will operate within Southwest’s network until March 2022.

Claire Bilby, Senior Vice President, Disney Destinations, said, “As Walt Disney World Resort kicks off The World’s Most Magical Celebration commemorating our 50th anniversary, we are thrilled to bring even more magic to guests’ vacations and to the sky with the help of our friends at Southwest.”

Along with its eye-catching livery, the Boeing 737-700 has received an extensive interior makeover. Various Disney characters, including favourites such as Donald Duck, Bambi and Flounder, have been added to window shades and overhead bins in Disney’s ‘EARidescent’ style.

Southwest customers can also watch exclusive footage of Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th anniversary celebrations through Southwest’s Inflight Entertainment Portal and the Walt Disney World on-demand TV series channel.

From October 1, Disney World has begun ‘The World’s Most Magical Celebration,’ set to run over the next 18 months to mark its anniversary.

Southwest Airlines will offer customers the chance to win a Southwest and Disney World package every day for the next 50 days. The competition, running from September 28 to November 16, will give each winner and three friends a vacation package to visit the Walt Disney World Resort.

According to the airline, the package will include “lodging, Walt Disney World Resort Theme Park tickets, a Disney Gift Card with a value of USD 200, and round trip air travel to Orlando, Florida, on Southwest.”