Holiday Surprise: Hero's Welcome Awaits Chilean Miners, Rescuers and Their Families at Walt Disney World Resort

BURBANK, Calif., Dec. 23, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- A New Year will mean new memories for the Chilean miners whose saga transfixed the world, as they are treated to a hero's welcome and family vacations of a lifetime at Walt Disney World Resort next month.

During their complimentary six-night Disney vacation, Jan. 27-Feb. 2, 2011, the miners, their rescuers and immediate families will meet Disney characters, visit all four Walt Disney World theme parks and serve as honorary Grand Marshals of the Main Street, U.S.A. parade in Magic Kingdom.

Trapped 2,300 feet inside the earth for 69 days in a collapsed Chilean mine, the men were pulled from the darkness in a miracle rescue.  In one of the year's most touching stories, their unbending faith and endurance sustained them throughout the ordeal.

"The amazing story of these miners captured the attention of the world for demonstrating the true power and resilience of the human spirit," said Disney President and CEO Bob Iger.  "We are proud to welcome these courageous men and their families to the Walt Disney World Resort."

The group will arrive to a welcome dinner with characters, dancing and Chilean cuisine prepared by Disney chefs.  During their vacation, they also will be treated to a $500 gift card per family, a group photo in front of Cinderella Castle and personal photo albums of their visit.

ABOUT WALT DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts are where families experience and enjoy the magic of Disney's beloved characters and where dreams come true.  More than 50 years ago, Walt Disney created a new kind of entertainment families could experience together, immersed in detailed atmospheres and vibrant storytelling.  His vision now includes a collection of five of the world's leading family vacation destinations - Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, Calif.; Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.; Tokyo Disney Resort, Urayasu, Chiba, Japan; Disneyland Resort Paris, Marne-la-Vallee, France; and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, located on Lantau Island.  In addition, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts includes the world-class Disney Cruise Line; Disney Vacation Club, with more than 450,000 members; Adventures by Disney, a guided group vacation experience to some of the world's most popular destinations; and Walt Disney Imagineering, which creates and designs all Disney parks, resorts and attractions.

SOURCE Walt Disney Parks and Resorts