After "Year(s) Of A Million Dreams", then what?

[FaithTrustPixieDust]

I think they should just ditch the title and make the Dream Squad a permanent fixture. I think they can afford the prizes.

Ditto that idea! Even though the odds of winning are slim, it's fun to dream about. And isn't that what Disney is all about . . .DREAMS!

[caryrae]

How about a "come be a kid again" or "come feel like a kid again" celebration. Where adult park passes cost the same as a child park pass. Disney World, a place where adults can act like kids.

[MickeyChick]

I'd like the Year-Where-We-Don't-Refurb-the -stuff-you're-psyched-for-while-you're-here.

(Just found out there will be no Spectromagic next month while I'm there)

How about Return to the Golden Era, where I can ride Horizons; the original Imagination; 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea...

[DisneyFanaticDargon]

Didn't they already push the whole "come to Disney for a special personal event" thing with the Magical Gatherings promotion between 100 Years of Magic and Happiest Celebration on Earth? I agree, it's time to kill the promotion. Having been working for Disney during both the Happiest Celebration on Earth and the Year of a Million Dreams, most guests don't have a clue it's going on at all and if they do, they certainly don't know what it entails.

[VolMickey]

How about a "come be a kid again" or "come feel like a kid again" celebration. Where adult park passes cost the same as a child park pass. Disney World, a place where adults can act like kids.

I'm on board with this one. With the economy slow and this uninspiring election cycle coming around, I think it would resonate with people:

Walt Disney World -- Come feel like a kid again!

[PSU Tim]

I also heard that no matter what they will still create magical moments via the dream squad (if that is what it is called)

[Dr_Nigel_C]

I also heard that no matter what they will still create magical moments via the dream squad (if that is what it is called)

For as much as I like that idea, I wish it weren't so apparent. They hype it up, then folks are disappointed when they don't get anything.

The solution? Put things back the way they were. Let magical moments just happen naturally. Make them special. Make trips special -- don't force a "theme" or a "celebration" every year.

I also agree that most "normal" travelers don't know (and don't care) what the current "theme" is -- they see it on TV (they get the itch, they plan, then they go) -- but they don't remember the name of the celebration or why it's even happening.

[DestinationWDW]

I TOTALLY love CAREYRAE's suggestion - adults play at kid prices! Especially since 2 of our kids (13 and 10) are kids and we pay the adult price for each....

[Ian]

Huh ... guess I'm in the minority on this one, but I kinda like the special events/celebrations.

I loved the millennium celebration and I've actually really enjoyed the YoaMD, too. Although I'm sure that's because we won the night in the Castle. Had I won nothing, I doubt I'd be as fond of it.

I wouldn't be surprised, though, if they did something a little low-key between now and 2011, when MK celebrates it's 40th birthday.

[Marker]

Huh ... guess I'm in the minority on this one, but I kinda like the special events/celebrations.

I loved the millennium celebration and I've actually really enjoyed the YoaMD, too. Although I'm sure that's because we won the night in the Castle. Had I won nothing, I doubt I'd be as fond of it.

I wouldn't be surprised, though, if they did something a little low-key between now and 2011, when MK celebrates it's 40th birthday.

Ian, I'm with you on this one. I like the celebrations. Heck, I even got a kick out of the giant birthday cake. Sure, it was kind of gawdy looking, but it was something special.

For the comments about thinking they overdo the celebrations, and would like to see them go without one for a while... Remember, not everyone is blessed with the opportunity to return as often as many of us do. To most people their trip my be their one and only, or at least one for a long time. They don't know there is some sort of celebration going on "all the time", they only know there was one going on during their visit, and it was cool.

As for the Year(s) Of A Million Dreams, I've loved this theme. I haven't even won anything, but I think it was really a cool thing. I have seen others who have won, and seen the joy in their faces. Personally, I'd love to see them continue with the Dreams idea even if they move to another marketing theme.

[Goofster]

My favorite has been the Millenium Celebration. I loved that celebration and, to me, it seems like WDW hasn't been the same since then. I did like 100 years of Magic and Happiest Celebration. I think at this point, WDW should take a break until Epcot's 30th rolls around.

[Mousemates]

I too like the promotions...thou all we have taken away from the miilion dream giveaway was one lowly creamslush in Epcot....but the hope of a night in the castle burns bright in my DD eyes.

[Ian]

Heck, I even got a kick out of the giant birthday cake.

Ha! I knew there was someone out there besides me who liked the giant birthday cake!

My favorite has been the Millenium Celebration.

Mine, too!

[Catzle]

I don't really like the YOMD. Not because we didn't win anything in 20 days we were there in two different trips but because like someone said it gets your hopes up and than you never win a single thing or even see the dream team.
We saw the dream team once and walked by them at the entrance to bugs life up in the front and than they started handing out the fast passes I turned around and asked if our family could get those and they said no you weren't here at the dream moment. I thought that was not nice. I would rather not have any kind of promotion that says you could win this or that nothing to expect or wish you could of won.

[luvdiznee]

How bout no specific promotion and just give us the Resort Specific mugs back. Just had enough of those same ole mugs. Or how bout "A Year of a Million Changes".

[ccp1]

I always thought the reasoning behind the celebrations was to put out a new pin set.

[TinkRocks]

I agree that there is something special about the celebrations / special themes, but I also agree that celebration after celebration is a little much. Celebrations should be like they used to be - every few years or park specific.

Ongoing celebrations negate each other and become the norm. People would expect a celebration and, therefore, would cost Disney more $ on an annual basis.

I understand that not everyone gets to experience WDW as often as others, but Disney can do simple things like putting a Disney themed gift basket in their room (if they're staying at a WDW resort).

I've been to the WDW during the YoMD more days than I care to count and have not once seen a Dream Team... LOL. Part of me thinks the idea is great that Disney is 'giving away' stuff, but part of me feels as though Disney are missing the mark and not rewarding the repeat guests who are returning to WDW again and again.

As for a 'celebration' in 2009 - why not just focus on Disney Hollywood Studios? The park turns 20 on May 1... On the other hand, it would be sad that Epcot was overlooked for the park's 25th anniversary.

[JPL]

The information I just received is the next celebration is going to be Magical Celebrations where they encourage people to come celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occaisions. It is suppose to be similar to the Magical Gatherings promotion.
This is still not official but several sources have said they were filming promotional videos with this theme.

[kellyisbusy]

I agree that there is something special about the celebrations / special themes, but I also agree that celebration after celebration is a little much. Celebrations should be like they used to be - every few years or park specific.

Ongoing celebrations negate each other and become the norm. People would expect a celebration and, therefore, would cost Disney more $ on an annual basis.

I understand that not everyone gets to experience WDW as often as others, but Disney can do simple things like putting a Disney themed gift basket in their room (if they're staying at a WDW resort).

I've been to the WDW during the YoMD more days than I care to count and have not once seen a Dream Team... LOL. Part of me thinks the idea is great that Disney is 'giving away' stuff, but part of me feels as though Disney are missing the mark and not rewarding the repeat guests who are returning to WDW again and again.

As for a 'celebration' in 2009 - why not just focus on Disney Hollywood Studios? The park turns 20 on May 1... On the other hand, it would be sad that Epcot was overlooked for the park's 25th anniversary.

I totally agree. How about giving repeat visitors a break once in a while or a little something special for visiting so often.

[Sharon1026]

How about "year of a million air conditioners" They could keep the parks at a cool 72 degrees all summer !