More Walt Disney World Resort Stories

D23 Brings Magic and Merriment to Walt Disney World Resort

Jeffrey Epstein

by , Director, Corporate Communications, The Walt Disney Company

This past weekend members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club enjoyed two full days of holiday happenings at Walt Disney World Resort during the club’s annual Magic and Merriment event. In fact, the event was so popular in past years that D23 doubled the capacity this year by offering the event two times. And the excitement was capped with a royal engagement.

D23 Brings Magic and Merriment to Walt Disney World Resort

The merriment kicked off inside World Showplace at Epcot where guests were treated to presentations that offered an insider’s look at the holidays around the resort. Imagineer Alex Caruthers and Holiday Services manager Lisa Borotkanics revealed some of the secrets to transforming Walt Disney World Resort, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, and the Disney Cruise Line fleet into wintery wonderlands. Walt Disney Archivist Steven Vagnini looked at the history of the Candlelight Processional at Disney Parks (later that day, guests enjoyed reserved seating to see the spectacle for themselves). And Disney Legend Kathryn Beaumont (who gave voice to Wendy in “Peter Pan” and Alice in “Alice in Wonderland”) talked about her history with Walt Disney working with Walt on 1951’s Walt Disney Christmas Show.

D23 Brings Magic and Merriment to Walt Disney World Resort

Imagineer Gary Landrum explored the creation of the Cinderella Castle Dream Suite – and the following day, guests all received a tour of the rarely seen accommodations. It was inside this regal room that D23 Member Amanda Richards received a royal proposal from her now-fiancé, Ben Doughan. Congratulations!

“The Dream Suite was more magical than I expected,” said D23 Member Debbie Bingham who had traveled from New Jersey to attend the event. “It was even more impressive after hearing the presentation the day before where the Imagineer described all the details.” Guests also got a glimpse backstage, visiting the Holiday and Scenic Services buildings as well as the Parade Barn. “It doesn’t ruin the magic,” added Debbie’s husband Gary. “It makes it even more impressive.”

Goofy with D23 Members at Walt Disney World Resort

Also included during the weekend were Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and a spectacular holiday feast at Disney’s Animal Kingdom after the park had closed to guests. While Magic and Merriment marks the end of another year of extraordinary experiences, D23 has unveiled an impressive slate of events for 2012 that will bring Disney delights to D23 Members across the country. Stay tuned for even more exciting announcements coming soon from D23: The Official Disney Fan Club regarding exclusive events, opportunities and benefits just for D23 Members.

Comments

  • I was fortunate enough to be able to attend this past weekend. It was a wonderful experience!

    There were so many other extra added touches to the event that really made it special. There was a private lounge in the Norway pavilion just for event Guests to relax in while at Epcot, a private breakfast in Columbia House at the Magic Kingdom, and a real live steel drum band playing Christmas music at Animal Kingdom during the Guest reception, just to name a few. And of course there were some neat gifts for everyone too!

    Thanks go out to Laura, Steven V, Heather, Ms. Beuamont and all of the others that helped to make it a very magical weekend!

  • I went to this event the first year it was held, and it was amazing. Glad to see you’re keeping the Magic up! I hope to return one year 🙂

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