Cinderella Castle Royal Suite will stay open in 2009

[crazy4wdw]

From the Orlando Sentinel:

Cinderella Castle Royal Suite will stay open in 2009
Scott Powers | Sentinel Staff Writer
December 25, 2008

Cinderella is keeping the light on.

Walt Disney World confirmed Wednesday that the Cinderella Castle Royal Suite -- created in early 2007 for overnight stays by winners of Disney's two-year "Million Dreams" promotion -- will remain open for selected guests next year, though on a more limited basis.

The suite is in a tower of Cinderella Castle, in the middle of the Magic Kingdom theme park. During the Million Dreams promotion, which ends Wednesday night, there has been a nearly daily sweepstakes prize for a family picked at random on Disney World property.

The suite's creation captured the imagination of Disney fans worldwide, and its availability as a daily door prize for Disney World visitors created enormous buzz for Disney's marketing campaign.

Set into space originally reserved as a possible apartment for company founder Walt Disney's family when the castle was first built, the 650-square-foot, three-room Royal Suite offers a mix of 17th-century French luxury, 21st-century convenience and 1950s-era motifs from Disney's Cinderella movie.

Features include stained glass, a mosaic floor, original Cinderella movie concept art by renowned Disney artist Mary Blair, a display case containing a single glass slipper, and a whirlpool tub. A concierge is on standby outside.

Almost from the start, the suite inspired widespread speculation about what Disney might do with it once the Million Dreams promotion ends.

On Jan. 1, that campaign is to be replaced with the "What Will You Celebrate?" promotion that strives to get people to bring their personal celebrations to Disney World.

The room will continue to be available for use as the prize for promotions, including some run by outside companies, Disney spokesman Rick Sylvain said Wednesday.

For starters, the room is being offered as a prize in a sweepstakes called "Inside Your Celebration," organized by the Internet travel portal Orbitz.

"This ties in nicely with our 'What Will You Celebrate?' " Sylvain said. "Other uses and opportunities for the suite are still to be determined.

"We will continue to evaluate all options," he added. "It's all about 'right fit.' Not unlike a certain glass slipper."

 

[rb71593]

I wonder how they are going to give it away now with the 2.6 years of a million dreams celebration over...

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Now we know for sure.
2) It has been turned commercial (eg. the Orbitz contest).

 

[mitros]

So Disney is allowing outside companies to sponsor {PAY FOR} stays at the castle. Leave it to Disney to weasel out of giving the thing away at their expense. Let an outside concern pay for it.
Not the least bit surprised...................

 

[rebecca06261]

I am surprised by this... only from the standpoint that for the last several months, guest relations has been instructed by the Corporate Gods to assure loyal guests that the Castle Suite would be intended for Give Kids the World and Make a Wish Foundation. Talk about another another disappointing decision.

 

[gymnastgirlflips]

I cant believe they decided to do that. They should have given it to Make a Wish or something, I agree with you Rebecca.
Yet another let down.

 

[mitros]

I cant believe they decided to do that. They should have given it to Make a Wish or something, I agree with you Rebecca.
Yet another let down.

Hey, it's what Disney does these days, ya' know?
It's that corporate mind set. And I thought Ei$ner was bad...........

 

[whodini]

Where does it say that the Make a Wish charity won't be able to use it?

The article states:

Walt Disney World confirmed Wednesday that the Cinderella Castle Royal Suite ... will remain open for selected guests next year, though on a more limited basis.

The room will continue to be available for use as the prize for promotions, including some run by outside companies, Disney spokesman Rick Sylvain said Wednesday.

I read that as Disney may use it for some special things, and some outside companies (of which Make a Wish could be one) will have access to it for the right reason. I like that there's still some kind of surprise/give-away aspect of this and its not just up for the highest bidder.

 

[doconeill]

So Disney is allowing outside companies to sponsor {PAY FOR} stays at the castle. Leave it to Disney to weasel out of giving the thing away at their expense. Let an outside concern pay for it.
Not the least bit surprised...................

So what? Why not if some other corporation is willing to pay for it? Is it REALLY any different if Disney or Orbitz runs a sweepstakes?

There is nothing that precludes Disney still giving it away, or using it for other things like Make a Wish. Orbitz isn't giving away a stay for every night...

 

[rebecca06261]

Where does it say that the Make a Wish charity won't be able to use it?

The article states:


I read that as Disney may use it for some special things, and some outside companies (of which Make a Wish could be one) will have access to it for the right reason. I like that there's still some kind of surprise/give-away aspect of this and its not just up for the highest bidder.

Perhaps the author of the article left out "charitable organizations?" I'd like to give Disney the benefit of the doubt but am finding it difficult given that Orbitz is currently the big promoter/sponsor and no mention of a charitable organization was made. It's my contention that if Disney intends on shining a positive light on the deal, they would have insisted that the article include a reference to the Foundations.

 

[Bouncy bounce]

They should also show it on their tours like for example.... keys to the kingdom