On Dec. 31, 2011, Disney announced its plans for celebrating the Leap Year at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. On Leap Day, Feb. 29, 2012, a theme park at the Florida and California resorts will stay open for 24 hours, a first in the history of the parks.
Called “One More Disney Day,” the Leap Day 24-hour events will take place at both Magic Kingdom Park and Disneyland Park. The full day worth of fun runs from 6 a.m. on Feb. 29 to 6 a.m. on March 1, 2012, local time for each park.
Other details in the Disney announcement: As part of the promotion, the “Disney Parks One More Disney Day Sweepstakes” will offer vacations for four people to either Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort. The sweepstakes goes on for 60 straight days – from Jan. 1, 2012 to Feb. 29, 2012 – with one entrant winning each day.
The 5-day/4-night sweepstakes trips include transportation, accommodations, tickets, a $1000 Disney Gift Card, and one of four add-ons (Disney PhotoPass, select Disney tours, $500 Downtown Disney shopping spree, or $500 worth of Spa experiences).
A special booking offer is also associated with "One More Disney Day" and available at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Guests can enjoy one night free when they purchase a 3-night non-discounted Walt Disney Travel Co. package at select hotels. (Package include, at a minimum, hotel room and tickets). This special offer is good for arrivals most nights Feb. 26 – March 10, 2012 and must be booked by Jan. 31, 2012.
Visit “One More Disney Day” for more information or to enter the sweepstakes. Or watch the Disney Parks video announcement and teaser trailer.
“One More Disney Day” is considered part of the continuing “Let the Memories Begin” promotional campaign for the domestic Disney Parks.
For the past year, Disney Parks has invited guests to "let the memories begin," noted Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts in a press statement.
"We're honored that so many guests have shared their Disney memories with us as part of 'Let the Memories Begin', and I'm pleased to announce that the campaign will continue throughout 2012," Staggs said. "To celebrate, for the first time ever, the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Parks will remain open for 24 hours on Leap Day, so that our guests can take advantage of every minute of their extra day to make memories with friends and family."
Disney Parks had generated anticipation for “One More Disney Day” through social media channels prior to its announcement. Many Disney websites and fan discussion boards correctly predicted the Leap Year plans – plans that Disney itself coyly acknowledged with its teaser videos and special Twitter hashtag #Disney24.
Disney then officially announced “One More Disney Day” during “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” on ABC; unfortunately, the announcement’s timing resulted in the reveal being pre-empted by local news in many markets.
Kungaloosh! Put on your set of ears and join me in stalking the Mouse. Read more of my Disney Travel Examiner articles or sign up for a free subscription.
Comments