Disney World Launches "Celebration Vacations" Promotion for 2009
"What will you celebrate?"
Everyone who visits a Walt Disney World Resort theme park on their birthday in 2009 can get in free as part of its "Celebration Vacations" promotion.
In this new national trend, American families are hitting the road to mark life's special occasions - birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, reunions and more - with a "celebration vacation." In 2009, Walt Disney World (as well as Disneyland Resorts) will lead this growing trend with new entertainment and services that will allow guests to turn their personal milestones into magical Disney experiences.
And to kick it all off - a first-ever opportunity for guests to receive a free ticket to one of the Walt Disney World theme parks on their birthday in 2009.
Whether a guest is celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, Quinceanera or any special occasion, Disney parks already are filled with favorite characters, world-class attractions and entertainment, and legendary guest service - exactly the "something for everyone" that trend-watchers say families look for in a "celebration vacation."
A nationwide survey of nearly 4,000 adults conducted by Ypartnership - coauthor of the influential National Travel Monitor - showed that 70 percent of U.S. leisure travelers have taken a vacation with the primary purpose of marking a special occasion in their lives - a "celebration vacation," as Ypartnership President and CEO Peter Yesawich termed it.
Respondents mentioned a broad range of events worth celebrating with a special vacation - not just birthdays and anniversaries but a first vacation with children, a job promotion or recovery from an illness.
Whenever something positive happens in their lives, people seek out ways to make them more special, Yesawich said, and vacations are clearly perceived as both an appropriate and desirable way to do so.
Research showed that when they take that "celebration vacation," families are looking for destinations that provide activities for children and - better yet - activities adults and children can enjoy together.
At Walt Disney World Resort, guests can add on to the fun, choosing from more than 200 experiences ranging from breathtaking (magical fireworks cruises, sunrise safaris, diving the depths with undersea creatures) to mirth-making (Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, character dining, kids' pirate adventures).
With all there is to do in Disney parks, guests can tailor their celebration with favorite attractions, favorite characters and special experiences. Maybe they turn Walt Disney World "wild" with trail riding, bass fishing and waterskiing.
Planning any event can be challenge. With Disney's new celebration planning tools, it's easier than ever for guests to plan celebration large and small, customizing and personalizing each experience and tending to all the details, from a special cake to an elaborate one-of-a-kind celebration that only Disney could create.
Thanks to new Web tools, guests can discover magical experiences, unique events, dining enhancements and more.
Disney's planning services allow guests to stay focused on what really matters - the people closest to them. And vacation packages make celebrating at Disney right for any budget.
Depending on the Disney park they are headed to, guests can order everything from special dining to princess tea parties, from yacht cruises to treasure hunting on a pirate sailing adventure, from a quiet trail ride to parasailing thrills. Or they can opt for magical experiences for their group - from dessert parties to a Magic Kingdom fireworks cruise to special entertainment.
Among add-on experiences guests can choose to customize their "celebration vacation":
Custom Bakery Cakes and Signature Desserts: Disney chefs create an unforgettable finale to a special dinner with a beautifully decorated cake themed to any occasion or a new line of celebration desserts.
For Lovebirds: Sweetheart dinners for two in which couples can clink "Celebrate Today!" champagne flutes.
Family Portraits: Capture the memory with a portrait session with Walt Disney World photographers. Build a custom photo album with Disney's PhotoPass.
Personalized Souvenirs: Mark your occasion with personalized Mouse ears, character T-shirts and collectible pins.
Decorate your Disney Guest Room: Step into a resort room decorated to fit your celebration them with confetti, banners, surprises and more.
Stay Inside a Dream Theme: Coming in 2009, book a pirate-themed guest room at Walt Disney World Resort.
Set Sail: Book a private romantic cruise on a yacht or set your party afloat on a shared magical fireworks voyage.
Go Inside the Magic: Behind-the-scenes tours take you inside the storytelling, adventure and history of Disney Parks.
Disney Story Book Experiences: Choose from pirate adventures, tea parties, princess makeovers and more - all with the magic of Disney.
Disney is unwrapping all-new entertainment with memory-makers in mind, allowing guests to focus their celebration on favorite characters, favorite attractions and favorite stories to create a custom celebration in the park. New park experiences coming in 2009 for all park guests to enjoy:
Street Parties: Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort comes to life with interactive street parties. The call to "Celebrate Today!" goes out to guests, music floods the streets, dancing kicks into high gear and the parks become "the happiest party on Earth."
Tomorrowland Party: A high-energy, retro-futuristic music video dance party features Stitch, an interactive dance troupe and a DJ celebration host who's inviting all Walt Disney World guests to come party, dance and celebrate.
Park Decor: The parks will be decorated with colorful banners, balloons and festive party hats - as if awaiting your celebration.
Buttons: Complimentary celebration buttons will help Disney cast members and fellow guests recognize you and your celebration.
Disney parks are the ultimate setting for any celebration, turning a special occasion into a magical Disney experience. And with the opportunity of free admission to a Walt Disney World Resort theme park on your birthday in 2009, it's even more special.
Note: To receive free admission to one of the Walt Disney World theme parks on your birthday in 2009, guests must bring valid ID, including proof of birthdate. Guests who already hold a valid multi-day ticket they will use on their birthday may choose from other birthday treats instead. However, no cash refunds or credits will be given.
Celebration Vacations Video
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Holidays Around the World
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Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade
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New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World Resort
December 31, 2009
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