One More Disney Day--2012

Nostradamus I am not, but I did get some of the predictions correct for the big New Year’s Eve announcement from Disney—One More Disney Day. (Click here to read more about the speculation.)

Indeed, the speculation regarding a 24 hour park opening was correct.  Beginning at 6:00 am on Wednesday, February 29, 2012, both the Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Park in California will be open for 24 hours.  It is the first time ever this has happened!

While this event may make history—it’s never been done before, guests at Walt Disney World right now get 18 hours of Magic Kingdom fun due to the high capacity of the park.  With Extra Magic Hours, Magic Kingdom was open from 7:00 am until 3:00 am.  After an 18 hour opening, 24 hours won’t seem like such a big deal. 

Also, the 24 hour celebration is only for Disneyland Park and Magic Kingdom.  What about parks around the globe?  What about the three other parks at Walt Disney World?

And, I was correct about the free night promotion—for One More Disney Day.  Guests can spend an extra night free at either a Disneyland Resort Hotel or a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel when they book a Room and Ticket Package for 3 nights or more, between February 26 and March 10, 2012.  The purchase must be made before Jan. 31, 2012.  This special is great for those who can make it during this time.  I was hoping for a year long special of some sort.

Just a note:  in March of 2009 and 2010, we took advantage of two different specials of “buy 4 nights, get 3 nights and tickets free” that were being offered at the time.  Yes, I know that Disney is cutting back on specials.  I’m just saying that the “free night” when compared to past offerings isn’t that great of a deal.  And, since it requires a “Room and Ticket Package” won’t be the best deal for Annual Pass holders—who want room discounts.

What I hadn’t predicted was the 60 days of trip giveaways.  Starting Jan. 2, 2012, guests can enter every day for a chance to win one of 60 vacation packages for 4 to either Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort.  Guess who has entered once already!  Click here to enter.

There was no news about the Disney Wonder and what it will be doing in December 2012, after Disney Cruise Line canceled four Mexican Riviera sailings.  There was no news about itineraries for 2013 for the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder.  Some are hoping/predicting that this news will happen in mid-January.  If Disney Cruise Line waits too long to make these announcements, it may interfere with the press about the launch of the Disney Fantasy, set to make its maiden voyage on March 31, 2012.

Time will tell what One More Disney Day will be for the rest of 2012.  Maybe other promotions will follow this initial offer.  And, I’m curious to find out who will be in attendance at the Magic Kingdom on February 29, 2012. 

Happy New Year!

One More Disney Day--Speculation About Disney's NYE Announcement

I sometimes forget that not everyone is a Disney fan like me and our family.  So the blank stares from friends and relatives were a bit of a surprise when I told them that Disney is making a big announcement New Year’s Eve during Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rocking Eve—if that is still the name of the show.

The internet is all a buzz as to what the announcement might be.  Disney’s theme for 2012—The Year of More Magic—has already been announced.  What else could it be?

Some speculate that the announcement will contain information about the opening of at least some of Fantasyland during its extensive refurbishment.  Maybe a firm date?  Or, maybe some of it will open the next day?  The timeframe already given was early 2012, but that would be VERY early!

Some speculate that since 2012 is a Leap Year, and the tag line for the announcement is “One More Disney Day”, that there will be a special celebration on February 29, 2012, that will include the parks being open for 24 hours.  Hmmm. . .  That time of year isn’t exactly “peak” season for travel to the parks and resorts.  This would be a one time cash layout for labor costs that would only last one day.

Others speculate that the announcement will include information about the 2013 itineraries for the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, as they have yet to be announced.  And, since Disney Cruise Line just recently announced that four of the Wonder’s Mexican Riviera itinerary sailings have been canceled for Dec. 2012—click here to read more—it would make sense to include information about the Wonder would be doing in December of 2012, too. 

I’m going out on a limb here with some guessing, speculation, and intuition. It’s the tag line for the promo/announcement that really got me thinking—One More Disney Day.  Hmmm. . . My prediction is some sort of year long special that adds on a “day” at the Disney parks for free for guests.  I shared this thought with the husband.  He told me not to “put it out there.”  I’m doing it anyway.

Cost wise, it wouldn’t cost Disney a bunch to add on an addition “free” day to park tickets.  Going from a 4 day ticket to a 5 day ticket is a minimal cost--$7 or less per person.  Disney would recoup that money with the additional overnight stay in the resorts for guests taking advantage of the special, money spent on food, souvenirs, etc.  Now, if the special includes the overnight stay with the promotion, then we are talking about some serious incentive.  But, it’s not the first time Disney has offered “buy some, get some free” type specials for park tickets and resort stays.  We’ve taken advantage of two similar offers.

You heard it, well read it, here first. 

My e-mail is set to receive the announcement directly from Disney in case I drift off to sleep.  The DVR is set to record the program, again for the reason previously mentioned.  Let’s see what all this fuss is about!