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Free Disney Park Admission on Birthdays in 2009
'Celebration Vacation' Trend Comes to Life at Disney Parks
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 new trend in family travel called “celebration vacations.”
This newly identified national travel phenomenon is a great opportunity for travel agencies as more American families hit the road to mark life’s special occasions – birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, reunions and more. In 2009, Disney Parks will tap this growing trend with new entertainment and experiences that allow guests to celebrate their personal milestones in true Disney fashion.
Kicking it all off is a first-ever opportunity for clients to visit a Disney theme park free 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, to a gathering of travel agents, tour operators and media 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; and, Rasulo added, travel agents are well-versed in Disney’s “something-for everyone” advantages that trend-watchers say families are looking for in a celebration vacation.
“The special moments in your life become truly magical when you celebrate at a Disney park,” Rasulo said. “And travel agents realize that 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. Beyond birthdays and anniversaries they also mentioned a first vacation with children, a job promotion and recovery from an illness.
“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,” Yesawich 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 you.”
At Walt Disney World Resort, clients can choose from more than 200 experiences ranging from breathtaking adventures like magical fireworks cruises, sunrise safaris, and diving the depths with undersea creatures. Other unforgettable experiences include the ever popular character dining, pirate adventures and princess fantasies at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. At Disneyland Resort, agents can book more than 50 magical experiences for celebrants, including “My Disneyland Birthday,” Disneyland guided tours and Fantasmic! dessert packages.
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 or to celebrate a child’s passage into high school. Extended families have also come together for golden wedding anniversaries.
“But Disney Parks is now poised to champion milestone vacations for families and friends in a breakthrough way,” he said.
The new parks-wide party poses the question “What Will You Celebrate?”
In 2009, travel agents can enhance their clients’ experiences by using special online planning tools and tailor their celebrations by ordering custom cakes, decorating guest rooms, arranging for family portraits and more. To find more information, or to book a Disney celebration vacation, travel agents can visit disneytravelagents.com.
*Free birthday admission requires a valid ID including proof of birth date.
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