By Peter J. Malcolm
WALT DISNEY’S RESORTS have always been
associated with bringing fantasy and magic to
life, but this year Mickey and friends are taking dreams to a whole new level.
Beginning October 1, Disney kicks off the
“Year of a Million Dreams,” a 15-month event
dedicated to making wishes come true for the
young and the young-at-heart. The only
requirements, it seems, are an active imagination and an affinity for all things magical.
“Throughout this celebration, dreams and
unique experiences once thought impossible
will be awarded every day,” says Jay Rasulo,
chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.
During the event—the domestic celebration of Disney’s global “Where Dreams Come
True” promotion—which will be celebrated
at California’s Disneyland and Florida’s Walt
Disney World, Disney will grant dreams to
1 million guests. These “dreams” include:
Overnight stays in the all-new Mickey
Mouse Penthouse at the Disneyland
Resort
Vacations to Disney’s worldwide
resorts to serve as grand marshal in
a Disney parade
Private meetings with favorite
Disney characters
Golden FASTPASS tickets, giving guests
unparalleled access to some of Disney’s
most popular attractions
The idea for the promotion came from
consumer insight and research. Disney
employees and “cast members” (Disney Parks
and Resorts staff) found that people associated Disney with dreams and with making
dreams materialize. Watching guests enter
the gate is like watching a transformation
from the ordinary to the extraordinary.
Making magic has always been their job; now
they’re set to put in some overtime.
“Our cast members already create countless magical moments for park guests every
day,” Rasulo says. “And during this ‘Year of a
Million Dreams,’ we’re taking this concept to
a new level, empowering our cast as ‘dream
makers’ as never before.”
The celebration is set to coincide with
several new attractions, including Rockin’
DISNEYLAND ©2006 DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Space Mountain, a new twist on the classic
Disney ride, complete with state-of-the-art
lighting and sound technology, and the
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, an underwater excursion inspired by the Disney-Pixar
film. The rides are scheduled to open at
Disneyland in the spring and summer of
2007, respectively.
But amidst the new attractions and fanfare lies the true magic of Disney: a chance for
adults and children alike to take a break from
their world and experience fantasy, adventure
and magic—a chance to dream again.
“Adults have busy lives and families,” says
Sarah West of Costco Travel. “And for 50
years, guests have regarded a trip to
Disneyland as a fun escape from reality, to
put cares aside for a while and let their children play out their dreams.” C
Peter J. Malcolm is a Seattle-based freelance
writer. He can be reached at lshadowz@
hotmail.com.
The Costco Connection
When booking a Disneyland Resort vacation
through Costco Travel, members will
receive a host of extras, including these
additional benefits*:
Disney Character Breakfast in selected
locations in the Disneyland Resort (one
per person)
$20 Disney Gift Card (one per package).
Mickey’s Toontown Morning Madness
(an interactive guest and character
experience)
Preferred seating for selected attractions
in Disney’s California Adventure® Park.
California Fun Book, filled with discounts
and special values (one per package)
Exclusive Costco Travel collectible pin,
lanyard and luggage tag (one per person)
To book your vacation, visit costco.com,
click on “Travel” and then “Disneyland
Resort,” or call Costco Travel toll-free at
1-877-849-2730.
