Walt Disney's birthday

[minnies_shoes]

Hello--I'm new to posting here but have been lurking for awhile. To tell a little about myself, I'm a midwesterner, mom to 3 kids (DD 16, DD 3, DS 17m), and have a second family trip planned to DL in May (first was last June).

Here's my question for all of you who seem to be encyclopedias of all things Disney: I heard that I have the same birthday as Walt himself (Dec 5); I would like to take the fam to DL (or maybe WDW) at least once a year for the next few years during these golden years of childhood. Thinking ahead to the next trip...Does DL or WDW do anything special on Walt Disney's birthday? What are some special things anyway about going to DL that time of year?

Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge!
min

[dramaqueen]

To my knowledge, nothing special is done for his birthday- but Christmas is one of the best times to go- there are too many special things to mention, but if you have never been for the holidays, I definitely reccomend it.

BTW- where in the midwest are you from?

[minnies_shoes]

Thanks for your reply. I'm from the Kansas City area.

[dramaqueen]

cool- I am somewhere in South Dakota- my husband's first game this season is in Kansas City (he plays semi pro football)

[minnies_shoes]

Cool! One of my brothers-in-law works for the Chiefs.

Another DL question, when do they redecorate the HM? I heard there was Nightmare Before Christmas decorations; my older daughter is a big fan. I would love to take her there to see that sometime.

[dramaqueen]

That goes down in September or October and the overlay is ready right around Halloween and stays up until New Years.

[minnies_shoes]

Thanks for the info, dramaqueen! (great name, btw) Now, not only do I have our upcoming trip to be excited about, I also have next year's to plot--going in December to see the Christmas things plus the decked out HM would make a great family trip for us during our daughter's senior year.
Have a great day!

[Lance]

I was at Disneyland this last year on Walt's birthday and I was amazed that NO castmembers I spoke with were aware of what day it was. Not a single one! I mentioned it to no less than a dozen castmembers, all of whom said, "Oh, really?"

I inquired at City Hall and asked why castmembers weren't at least wearing buttons or something. The host said, "Oh, it is Walt's birthday today, isn't it? Thanks for reminding us."

One host reminded me that Walt's birthday was celebrated in Florida with the year-long "100 years of magic" promotion. But still, you'd think the Happiest Place on Earth could shelve out some festive pins, or a big sign on Main Street...or something, wouldn't you?

[NPCody]

Yeah, I always wondered why absolutely nothing is done for Walt's birthday. At least have a big cake and ceremony or something.

[CrazyDreamer]

Hooray for my fellow Sagitarrians.

It is a shame though that most people don't even know it's Walt's birthday, I guess they figure it's not important. :monkey:

[dramaqueen]

But never forget, the light is always on in his apartment- he is never far away

[Mr D]

Being a Saggitarian myself (my b-day is Dec 4th) I can only imagine the endless possibilities Walt Disney considered of how to build Disneyland, trains I have always had a passion for and I have a sizable HO collection worth many thousands of dollars but nothing like Walts backyard trains! Even so the curiosity and youthfullness of a sag will always be on the lookout for new technology and they are hopeless adventurers (shucks...I do live in Alaska ) and we like being on the stage...as Walt loved being in the cameras lense,

Perhaps the next CEO should be a Saggitarian, Eisner was a Pisces which are pretty opposite.

[minnies_shoes]

Hmmmm...it sounds like that's a "no" on anything special for Walt's b-day. Dommage. Thanks for the info, though.

[Dustysage]

Thanks for your reply. I'm from the Kansas City area.

I'm also from Kansas City. See, there are all sorts of Disney nuts from the Mid West.

Since you are interested in taking the family to WDW at least once a year, you might want to look into the Disney Vacation Club. Over time, it becomes a very affordible way to plan your Disney trips. If nothing else, it forces you to pay over time, so you always have an excuse to go (We've already paid for it, so we might as well go)

Welcome to the boards. Glad to see that we have converted another lurker.

-Dustysage

[minnies_shoes]

Thanks for the info, Dustysage of KC (please tell me you're a 'Hawks fan!). I've never heard of the Disney Vacation Club. I will have to check into that.

[Dustysage]

Thanks for the info, Dustysage of KC (please tell me you're a 'Hawks fan!). I've never heard of the Disney Vacation Club. I will have to check into that.

Are you kidding - I'm an Oliver Hall boy from KU!!!

Rock Chalk Jayhawk!

-Dusty the Sage

[minnies_shoes]

Woo-hoo! Rock Chalk Jayhawk!!!

[Dustysage]

Here's the link to the DVC web site. I bought into Saratoga Springs (at Downtown Disney) last year.

[jen12569me]

My birthday is also December 5th. I have gone to Disneyland several times over the years to celebrate my birthday, and I always get my birthday sticker. No one ever seems to know that it is also Walt's birthday. In fact, December 5, 2004 was the candelight procession (which was cancelled due to rain) and no mention was made of Walt's big day.

[Orcatime]

I remember one time there WAS an event planned for Walt's birthday in the 80's with this major ballon send-off. Does anyone else remember the details of that?

There is also the possibility that since the 50th celebration is going to last so long and run into his birthday, they might do something special this year as well.