Disney Announces 2009 Celebration, Free Theme Park Entry on Birthdays

The Walt Disney Company held an event in New York City this afternoon to announce 2009’s follow-up to the Year of a Million Dreams which they’re calling, What will you celebrate?

Everyone who visits a Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort theme park on their birthday in 2009 can get in free. Locals and regulars, before you ask, this new offer does not entitle Passholders or multi-day ticket holders to cash refund or credit, but you can choose from other birthday treats instead.

UPDATE: Passholders may choose from the following on their birthdays:
A special birthday FASTPASS® ticket for certain attractions at the Theme Park you visit on your birthday; or

A Birthday Fun Card in an amount equal to the price of a 1-Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket* for you to use on your birthday for merchandise, recreation or fun activities at select participating locations at the Walt Disney World Resort; or

A 1-Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket for you to use any time until your next birthday.

The current price of a 1-Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket is $75 so if you’re a Passholder, you’re entitled to a $75 Disney gift card on your birthday!

To register for the birthday ticket, guests will be required to visit disneyparks.com.

The goal of the new promotion is to bring people together at Disney theme parks for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, reunions, and more. In-park decorations will read “Celebrate Today!”, inviting Cast Members and guests alike to join in on any ongoing celebrations. For many years, Disney has provided a wide selection of free buttons to guests if they are celebrating a special event. Now, these buttons will signify that guests are taking part in the larger celebration at-hand.

Additional special amenities can be purchased in advance to add to the celebration experience, including custom cakes & desserts, family portraits, personalized souvenirs, guest room decorations, behind-the-scenes tours, and more.

There will be also celebratory street parties in Magic Kingdom and a Tomorrowland video dance party.

So if you’re planning a Disney vacation, make it a birthday vacation and you’ll at least get one free day in the parks. However, according to one survey, October 5th is the day in which the most birthdays are celebrated, so you might want to avoid the parks on that day. Likewise, according to the same survey, May 22nd is the day with the least birthdays, which will make for a great day to short lines for rides!