September 23, 2010 - Every day, thousands of family memories are created at Disney Parks.  In 2011, some of those magical moments will become larger than life as guest-produced photos and videos from around the world are featured in television commercials and shows, online campaigns and social media opportunities showcasing the power of memories. Guests could also see their photos and videos projected nightly onto two iconic Disney Parks attractions: Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and it’s a small world at Disneyland Resort in California. In an unprecedented year inviting families and friends to “Let the Memories Begin,” Disney Parks will make guests the attraction, sharing their memories and letting them star in their own nightly sky show above the twinkle of the parks.  

The centerpiece of “Let the Memories Begin” is a specially created online memories hub. Guests will upload their favorite Disney photos and videos at www.DisneyParks.com/memories– whether it is that first meeting with a Disney princess, a laugh-filled watery touchdown on Splash Mountain or that magical moment around the fireplace at holiday time when Mom and Dad surprised their kids with “We’re Going to Disney!”.

Just in time for the official end of summer, Ypartnership, a noted research firm that tracks consumer insights and trends in travel, lifestyle and leisure found that about nine out of ten family travelers (88% for the United States and Canada) are most likely to plan vacations with the hope they will be memory-makers for or about their children. The most positive vacation memories for adults are those taken with spouses and children, says CEO Peter Yesawich. As far as ways to memorialize those trips, digital photos rated highest in the survey, followed by souvenirs. And as a sign of the Internet age, already 20 per cent of the vacationers surveyed share memories as their vacation moments are happening, posting photos and texting.

“With our grand celebration of family memories projected on Cinderella Castle and it’s a small world, the icons could become Disney’s first user-generated attractions,” noted Disney Parks Chairman Tom Staggs.  “We are thrilled to put guests and their special Disney moments at the heart of this celebration.  Disney parks are where our guests make memories – and now they are sharing them with the world.”

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For more information, contact Michelle Stepney with Disney Parks Public Relations at 407-590-0651 or michelle.stepney@disney.com.

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