Disney World released a new 2012 promotion this week–”One More Disney Day”. 2012 is a leap year, meaning we’ll get an extra day of work or play this year. What will you do with the extra time?
On New Year’s Eve, Disney announced a group of promotions and special events geared to help you figure out how to spend your “extra day” this year. If you are headed to Orlando at the end of February (or thinking of visiting during this time), you can take advantage of some special leap year events and promotions:
The Magic Kingdom will stay open a full 24 hours on February 29, 2012, beginning at 6am. If you’ve ever wanted to see the sun rise (and set) inside the park, this will be the day to do it. Disney has traditionally offered some kind of premium–a pin, special map or poster to commemorate this type of event; stay tuned for more details. This will be the first time either park has ever been open for a full 24 hours of fun.
60 lucky families will win a trip for four to either Disney World or Disneyland; the company is giving away a free trip per day until February 29, 2012. Official rules and entry information can be found on the Disney Website.
Disney is offering various ticketing promotions for this event as well–most add an extra day to your vacation at no additional charge, making this a fun way to stay and play in Orlando without spending a lot of extra cash. Contact Orlando Vacations for more details on how to save on your extra Disney day.
If you are heading to Florida for an Orlando vacation this holiday season, make the most of your trip by visiting the Disney theme parks. Christmas arrives early each year in Disney World; if you visit the theme parks and resorts for Thanksgiving, you’ll notice the Christmas decorations spring up practically overnight. Disney Imagineers are hard at work by the end of November, staging elaborate holiday decorations in the resorts and the theme parks. No matter which hotel you choose, or which theme park you visit first, you’ll find plenty to do to celebrate the Christmas season when you visit Disney World.
Head to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party for the ultimate holiday celebration.
Disney World Christmas Highlights:
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: The premier Christmas event at Disney World, Mickey’s Christmas party is a premium ticket event thrown on select nights during November and December. Guests can explore and enjoy the Magic Kingdom theme park without the holiday crowds; the event also includes a special Christmas parade, party treats and even snow on Main Street USA. This event requires a separate ticket for admission and reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for the days leading up to the holiday.
Resort Decorations: Each of the Disney resorts offers themed decorations in the lobby and grounds. The Christmas decorations spring up almost overnight, and are designed to match and enhance the hotel’s decor. Look for primitive woodsy decor featuring whimsical bears and other wildlife at the Wilderness Lodge, while the more formal Grand Floridian sports a life-sized gingerbread house and plenty of Victorian inspired Christmas finery. Consider making dining reservations at a few of the deluxe resorts–you’ll be able to enjoy different Christmas scenery each evening.
The Osbourne Family Spectacle of Lights: Disney’s Hollywood Studios is home to one of the most spectacular displays of Christmas lights you’ll find anywhere. An entire portion of the park is given a sparkling makeover, and the evening lighting (complete with the occasional snowflake), is a breathtaking event. The Spectacle of Lights is free with your park admission, simply drop by in the evening and enjoy the show.
During the last two weekends in April, high school seniors will have Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom reserved for a special night to celebrate their upcoming graduation. This year’s event will feature music stars from MTV’s Best American Dance Crew, including: Paramore, Keri Hilson, All Time Low, Quest Crew, Boys like girls, Mario, Hey Monday and Beat Freaks.
Other highlight events of Grad Nite 10 include a seniors fireworks show, Tomorrow land dance party and Frontierland dance party. Tomorrow land dance party is a high-tech dance party with video walls and other visual effects to keep the party moving. Frontierland dance party features a live dj spinning the top hits.
If your school is interested in attending Disney Grad Nite 10, they must register online at Disney.youthgroups.go.com. Grad Nite is open to high school seniors, chaperones, and junior class officers who are interested in previewing grad nite for their senior class the following year. All of the parks attractions and rides are open during the special hours for Grad nite. Chaperons are given special perks, including a line-hopper pass and admission to a lounge that’s excluded for chaperons.
Grad Nite park admission covers access to Walt Disney World Resort but it doesn’t include any meals. Students must bring their own money for meals and merchandise, which is sold at regular price. Disney also enforces a strict no alcohol and no smoking policy, which applies to both students and chaperons. Standard safety and security measures are taken at the front gate, including bag checks for illegal substances and weapons. Chaperons are assigned pages, to keep informed of any important news around the park, and chaperons are required to check in upon arrival. One complimentary chaperons ticket is provided for every 10 tickets purchased.
If your high school plans to travel a long distance for grad nite, you may want to consider overnight lodging at one of Disney’s on site resorts or Orlando-area hotels. Contact Disney for special youth group rates available during Grad Nite weekends, and make 2010 a year you’ll never forget.
With Universal Studios Orlando focusing on the teenage thrill rider market and Walt Disney World focusing on the toddlers and elementary school aged children, you would think the Disney’s Magic Kingdom would be no place for a teenager. However don’t think that Disney has thrown in the towel when it comes to teenagers.
If you are going to the Disney Magic Kingdom for your family vacation and you are concerned about your teenager being bored at the Magic Kingdom, don’t worry about it. Disney has everything under control.
Here is a short list of rides descriptions at Disney’s Magic Kingdom that most teens enjoy:
• The Haunted Mansion – This is not necessarily a thrill coaster. In fact, there are no gut wrenching drops nor is there any high speed motion, but there are plenty of scary moments and scenes that keep most teens entertained.
• Thunder Mountain – Hold on to your hat on this one. This out door crazy train will leave you wanting more.
• Space Mountain – Ever been on an indoor roller coaster that is all in the dark? This space coaster makes you feel like your racing through space. This is one of Disney’s most popular rides. Make sure that you get your Speed Pass for this ride as line can be quite lengthy.
• Splash Mountain – I would not exactly call this one a roller coaster, but it sure has quite a drop. In fact, Disney takes pictures of you, as you go down the main hill of this log coaster. If you don’t like getting wet, then I would not set in the front seat. This ride is great for Florida’s Hot Summer days. As the ride proclaims, everyone has a laughing place.
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