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September 18, 2008
Disney Announces 2009 "Celebration Vacation"
Posted by Sledge
In 2009, Come to a Disney Park on Your Birthday and Get In Free!
A Disney ‘First’ Launches ‘Celebration Vacation’ Travel Trend
 NEW YORK (Sept. 18, 2008) – Everyone who visits a Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort theme park on their birthday in 2009 can get in free, as Disney Parks embraces a newly identified family travel trend called “celebration vacations.”
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 and Disneyland Resorts will lead this growing trend with new entertainment and services that 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 or Disneyland theme parks on their birthday in 2009.
“Birthdays are the one occasion that we all share every year,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, at an announcement event today in New York. “We thought a free birthday ticket would be the icing on the cake as we extend this new ‘celebration vacation’ trend to Disney Parks.”
Disney parks provide the perfect setting for this new style of vacation that celebrates the special occasions in life, Rasulo added.
Whether a guest is celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, Quinceañera 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.”
“The special moments in your life become truly magical when you celebrate at a Disney park,” Rasulo said. “Sharing a milestone at Disney connects families, friends and generations.”
Nationwide Survey Reveals ‘Celebration Vacation’ Trend
A nationwide survey of nearly 4,600 adults conducted by Ypartnership – co-author 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.
Time does pass quickly and there is a growing trend to slow down our frenetic lifestyles and stop to rejoice around the things that matter,” he said. “Families on ‘celebration vacations’ are looking to truly commemorate moments in their lives – in special places everyone can enjoy.”
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.
Given these findings, it’s not surprising that Disney Parks topped the list of destinations where families would most like to celebrate these special occasions,” Yesawich said.
Turning Life’s Special Moments Into a Personal Disney Celebration
“We see our parks as the ideal setting for a personal celebration,” Rasulo said. “Guests can immerse themselves in their favorite stories and their favorite characters, creating a visit they’ll never forget.
“And when our cast members get involved, it feels as if the entire park is celebrating along with you.”
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). At Disneyland Resort, celebrants can book more than 50 magical experiences, including “My Disneyland Birthday Party” and unique Disneyland guided tours.
With all there is to do in Disney parks, guests can tailor their celebration with favorite attractions, favorite characters and special experiences. Maybe they have a “princess” day with themed meals, shows, attractions and perfectly princess merchandise at Disneyland. Or they turn Walt Disney World “wild” with trail riding, bass fishing and water skiing.
Even before the Ypartnership findings, Disney noticed the celebration trend happening in its parks, Rasulo noted. For instance, guests have visited the parks to propose marriage, celebrate a child’s passage into high school, or pull the whole family together for the golden anniversary of their parents. “But Walt Disney World and Disneyland are now poised to champion milestone vacations for families and friends in a breakthrough way,” he said. “We’re asking our guests, ‘What will YOU celebrate?’
“Part of the celebration is all the firsts that magically happen at Disney Parks,” Rasulo said. “Guests become the star of their own celebration. It could be a first trip to Disney or a first family vacation without the stroller. We want to make a first visit – and every visit – even more memorable.”
Even if they’re not celebrating, Rasulo said, guests will be immersed in a “Celebrate Today!” spirit, making every day a party.
Making it Easier than Ever to Plan
Planning any event can be a challenge. With Disney’s new celebration planning tools, it’s easier than ever for guests to plan celebrations 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.
Customizing Your Celebration
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 theme with confetti, banners, surprises and more.
- Stay Inside a Dream Theme: Book a themed guest room at either destination – princess-themed or Mickey-inspired at Disneyland or – coming in 2009 – pirate-themed 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.
- Disneyland Parties: “Celebration Roundup and Barbecue at Big Thunder Ranch,” all-new, is a full-blown party complete with frontier entertainment, goodie bags and a surprise treat for everyone – no matter what they’re celebrating. “My Disneyland Birthday Party” features cake decorating, party hats and even Mickey and Minnie pay a visit.
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 and Disneyland Park come 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 Décor: 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.
Memories to Last a Lifetime
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 or Disneyland Resort theme park on your birthday in 2009, it’s even more special. All it takes is a valid ID including proof of birth date. Guests can get more details and start the process by registering their birthdays at www.disneyparks.com.
“We believe Disney parks are uniquely positioned for any celebration and offer the ultimate setting for marking a cherished milestone,” Rasulo said. “People trust Disney to make an occasion truly magical. And now more than ever, Disney will help guests seize those special moments and turn them into memories that will live forever in their hearts.”
Fun Around the Table a Delicious Part of ‘Celebration Vacations’ at Disney Parks
 At dining tables around the world, life is shared over a meal, a joyful part of any celebration with friends and family. And more than ever before, American families are hitting the road to mark birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, reunions and more with “celebration vacations.”
In 2009, Disney Parks isembracing this growing trend with a parks-wide party with the theme “What Will You Celebrate?” that includes free admission to a Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort theme park for everyone who visits on their birthday.
As so many festivities take place around a table, culinary treats are a delicious part of the celebration. From your own birthday cake to appealing sweets to sip, here’s a sumptuous sampling of food and beverage options that can be purchased to put the “extra special” in special occasions:
For an impromptu party, guests can order the Magical Pop-Up Party Pack, goodie bags filled with fun activity sets and a surprise pop-up centerpiece. Character dining and buffet locations at Walt Disney World Resort offer the treat; at Disneyland Resort, they are available at full-service restaurants, character dining restaurants and through room service.
A magical way to enjoy your big day is “My Disneyland Birthday Party” at the Plaza Inn on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland Park. Featuring guest appearances by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, the daily celebration is hosted by Pat E. Cake, a wacky character who has everyone singing and dancing. There are plenty of sweet treats to decorate your own “mouse-terpiece” mini-cake, along with a souvenir party hat and cup. Park admission is required plus cost per person for the party.
Make any occasion special with A Sweet Ending to Your Celebration dessert, from indulgent to delicious low-fat and no-sugar-added treats. Available at most Walt Disney World table-service restaurants and all Disneyland table-service restaurants.
My Mini-Cake Surprise includes your own mini celebration cake with a special treat, packaged one of three ways: in a Sorcerer Mickey Celebration Bucket (Disneyland Resort only), Disney Princess Jewelry Box or Disney Pirate Treasure Chest. Available at Walt Disney World character dining and buffet locations; at Disneyland Resort in full-service restaurants, character dining and through room service.
Guests who prefer a Disney Custom Bakery Cake can order at least 48 hours in advance of their celebration. Choices include a custom cake (6-inch, 8-inch, 10-inch and quarter sheet), an 8-inch Mickey Mouse cake or a themed cake with enhanced inscription and edible decorations (8-inch,
10-inch and quarter sheet), available at most Walt Disney World table-service restaurants and all table-service restaurants at Disneyland Resort. To order at Walt Disney World Resort, call the cake ordering hotline at 407/827-2253.
At Walt Disney World Resort, create an instant party with the Celebrate Today! Cake, a 6-inch vanilla cake with vanilla icing and fun confetti sprinkles. No notice necessary, just order at the podium in most of the table-service restaurants.
Sweetheart Dinner for Two
For romantics, Disney’s three-course, prix fixe Sweetheart Dinner for Two is the perfect way to create a memorable evening, ending with a shared dessert. Includes a specially selected beverage in a souvenir toasting glass to commemorate a special moment. Dinners available at all Walt Disney World signature restaurants except Victoria & Albert’s; available at Disneyland Resort at Napa Rose, Steakhouse 55, Yamabuki and Blue Bayou.
Guests who prefer an in-room romantic dinner can check with their Disney resort hotel’s front desk.
At Disneyland Resort, the festive “Celebration Roundup and Barbecue at Big Thunder Ranch” features family-style service with barbecue chicken and ribs with all the fix’ns. The party includes live “frontier” entertainment and goodie bags, plus a special treat for everyone.
Appealing sweets to sip at most Walt Disney World table-service restaurants include the Magical Star Cocktail with X-Fusion Organic Mango and Passion Fruit Liqueur, Parrot Bay Coconut Rum and Minute Maid pineapple juice, cooled by a multicolored glow cube. For an apéritif or sweet ending, Magicale, Brachetto Piemonte DOC is an off-dry rosé with fresh red berry and Bing cherry flavors – perfect with chocolate. Or pop the cork on a bottle of bubbly Fairy Tale by Iron Horse, Celebration Cuvée, festively crafted by Disney’s sommeliers exclusively for Disney parks and resorts.
Over-the-Top Immersive Experiences Create Unforgettable
‘Celebration Vacation’ Memories at Disney Parks
Disney Parks overflow with extra-magical experiences to make “celebration vacations” more memorable than ever.
At Walt Disney World Resort, guests can do one better than the party that has “everything but the kitchen sink.” Revelers can have the sink, too – brimming with ice cream. The enormous sundae – scoops and scoops of ice cream smothered in many tasty toppings – served at Disney’s Beach Club Resort is every kid’s grandest birthday party dream come true, and one of more than 200 ideas for customization that guests can add on to their itinerary for a celebratory visit to Disney’s Vacation Kingdom in central Florida.
 At Disneyland Resort in southern California, a family or class reunion group can choose to celebrate not just their own heritage but also that of Disneyland with “A Walk in Walt’s Footsteps,” a three-hour tour sharing the life and lore of the man behind the magic of Disney Parks. It’s among more than 50 ideas for customizing a celebration visit to Disneyland Resort.
With more than 250 experiences that can be planned – from fireworks cruises, street parties and behind-the-scenes tours to specialty cakes and in-room decorations – Disney Parks is the ultimate setting for personalized and customized vacations.
Thanks to new Web planning tools, accessing this broad range of vacation options will be easier than ever. Through www.disneyparks.com, guests and their travel agents choose the celebration destination and can access an online celebration “planner” to shop the many experiences that are a cornerstone of a “celebration vacation” at Disney Parks – experiences that transform guests into the stars of their own party.
Guests begin exploring the possibilities by indicating the nature of their upcoming celebration visit – birthday, reunion, personal triumph, true love (wedding, honeymoon or anniversary) or even “first visit.” Based on the occasion, the online “planner” shares a selection of ideas and a broad list of additional options – everything from a street-party celebration on Main Street, U.S.A. that will be a must-do for Disneyland and Walt Disney World guests of all ages … to intimate, candlelit dinners for two.
With all there is to do in Disney parks, guests can tailor their celebration with favorite attractions, favorite characters and special experiences. Maybe they have a “princess” day with themed meals, shows, attractions and perfectly princess merchandise at Disneyland capped by a fun-filled treasure hunt through the park. Or they turn a Walt Disney World stay into a celebration of “the pirate’s life” with pirate-themed resort accommodations, kids’ pirate adventures, a cruise with Captain Hook and Smee, an evening at a Pirate and Princess Party, and an adventure ride – or two or three – through Pirates of the Caribbean. Or they turn Walt Disney World “wild” with horseback riding, bass fishing and parasailing.
A sampling of the vacation options:
Inside the Magic – Specialty tours take guests inside the storytelling, adventure and history of Disney Parks.
- “A Walk in Walt’s Footsteps” provides a look at Walt Disney’s original theme park from the perspective of Walt himself, revealing secrets behind the inspiration for Disney Parks. (Disneyland Resort)
- “The Magic Behind our Steam Trains” explores one of Walt’s lifetime loves and their role at Magic Kingdom. (Walt Disney World Resort)
- “Disney’s Key to the Kingdom” gives insiders a peek into Walt’s vision and philosophy around the creation of the Magic Kingdom theme park. (Walt Disney World Resort)
- “Behind the Seeds” is a hands-on discovery tour with a close-up look at plants, insects, fish and alligators at Epcot. (Walt Disney World Resort)
- “UnDISCOVERed Future World” reveals the legacy of Walt and the creation of Epcot, plus many backstage encounters. (Walt Disney World Resort)
It’s All About the Kids – Enchanting tea parties, princess makeovers and pirate adventures await youngsters looking to celebrate VIP style.
- “My Disney Girl Perfectly Princess Tea Party” invites guests to a deliciously delightful tea party. (Walt Disney World Resort)
- “My Disneyland Birthday Party” at the Plaza Inn on Main Street, U.S.A. is a jolly party packed with music and laughter as guests create their own bakery “mouse-terpieces” by decorating personal mini-cakes. (Disneyland Resort)
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is a glamorous princess makeover salon under the supervision of a Disney Fairy Godmother-in-training. (Walt Disney World Resort & coming in spring 2009 to Disneyland Resort)
- “Discover the Magic” tour, designed especially for children, combines a tour of Disneyland with a fun-filled treasure hunt through the park. (Disneyland Resort)
- “Princess Fantasy Faire” offers princesses and lords of all ages “quality time” with the Disney princesses, including face painting, specially themed foods and instructions in court etiquette. (Disneyland Resort)
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- Adventure Cruises are ideal for young bucs wanting to set sail to exotic ports of call. (Walt Disney World Resort)
Unique Experiences – Excursions with exotic animals, family portrait sessions and special experiences.
- Epcot DiveQuest invites guests to dive in a six-million-gallon aquarium and come face to face with 65 species of marine life. (Walt Disney World Resort)
- Sunrise Safari offers the chance to roam a true African savannah with more than 200 animal species at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, followed by breakfast. (Walt Disney World Resort)
- 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. (Walt Disney World Resort & Disneyland Resort)
- Guests board Segways for a one-of-a-kind pre-opening exploration of Disney’s California Adventure in the “Cruzin' Disney’s California Adventure Park! Tour.” (Disneyland Resort)
- PhotoPass Portrait Session captures the moment with loved ones during a 20-minute private photography session at select Disney resort hotels. (Walt Disney World Resort)
Dining Delights – Decadent delights make festivities sweeter than ever.
- My Mini-Cake Surprise, themed personal-sized party cakes with a special surprise included. (Walt Disney World Resort & Disneyland Resort)
- Sweetheart Dinner for Two, a gourmet-style prix fixe meal for two, plus souvenir toasting glasses to commemorate the moment. (Walt Disney World Resort & Disneyland Resort)
- Magical Pop-Up Party Pack, the ultimate goodie bag packed with fun activities and a surprise pop-up centerpiece. (Walt Disney World Resort & Disneyland Resort)
The Sky’s the Limit – Over-the-top recreation, relaxation and more.
- Spa time, where it’s pure indulgence with full-service spas offering a range of wellness and beautifying services. (Walt Disney World Resort & Disneyland Resort)
- Parasailing thrills, where your dreams of soaring above the water become reality. (Walt Disney World Resort)
- VIP Tour Services help guests navigate the parks with expert VIP hosts who act as personal concierges and tour guides. (Walt Disney World Resort & Disneyland Resort)
Gatherings of a Lifetime – Mark the occasion with a special meal, fireworks cruise or character greeting.
- Set sail in a new nighttime excursion around Seven Seas Lagoon for a spectacular view of “Wishes,” the nightly fireworks display. (coming spring 2009 to Walt Disney World Resort)
- “Celebration Roundup and Barbecue at Big Thunder Ranch” is the place to celebrate any occasion – cowboy-style. Disney characters share in the celebration fun, which includes the new outdoor Big Thunder Family Barbecue restaurant. (Disneyland Resort
At-a-Glance: ‘Celebration Vacations’ Come to Life at Disney Parks
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.
The official site can be found here.
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