Description
WHAT: Beginning Jan. 1, 2009, Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will invite guests to celebrate their lives’ special moments – large and small – with family and friends at the place where dreams come true. New research shows that families are planning trips around life’s special moments, memories and milestones to celebrate with loved ones. It’s a newly identified, national trend dubbed by experts as “celebration vacations.”
WHEN: Beginning Jan. 1, 2009, for guests at the Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts.
CELEBRATION VACATION TREND: A national study by a leading travel research firm – Ypartnership – reveals a widespread new trend. The study shows that consumers are taking more and more “celebration vacations” as a way to mark milestones and other special moments in their lives with a family vacation. Some of the study’s key findings include:
o 7 out of 10 revealed they have taken a vacation primarily to celebrate a special occasion.
o Most people taking “celebration vacations” are looking for: a variety of activities for everyone, kids’ activities and activities that adults and children can experience together.
o Disney parks topped the survey of destinations for a family “celebration vacation.”
BIRTHDAY FUN FOR FREE: Crowning the celebration is a Disney Parks first: Guests can receive free admission to one of the Walt Disney World or Disneyland theme parks on their birthday in 2009. All it takes is a valid ID including proof of birth date. (Guests who already hold a multi-day ticket or an annual pass that they will use on their birthday can choose an alternate birthday treat instead, but will not be entitled to a cash refund or credit.) Guests can get more details and start the process by registering their birthdays at www.disneyparks.com.
HOW DO I CELEBRATE? MAGICAL EXPERIENCES APLENTY: At Walt Disney World Resort, guests can add on to the fun, choosing from more than 200 experiences ranging from breathtaking (fireworks cruises, sunrise safaris, diving the depths among sea life) to mirth-making (Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, character dining, kids’ pirate adventures). At Disneyland Resort, more than 50 magical experiences can be selected including “My Disneyland Birthday Party” and unique Disneyland guided tours.
PLANNING NOW EASIER THAN EVER: New Web planning tools will make it easier than ever for guests to create celebrations large and small, with opportunities to customize and personalize their experiences.
PUTTING ‘SPECIAL’ IN SPECIAL OCCASION: Disney advance planners can custom-order cakes, flowers, balloons and more. The fun even extends to table-service restaurants where celebrants can make special dining arrangements.
IT’S A PARTY IN THE PARK!: A celebration street party invites guests of all ages into the heart of the castle parks to join Disney characters and dozens of performers in a celebratory song and dance party at the Magic Kingdom park at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Park in California.