Year of a Million Dreams

[disneykidatheart]

On September 20, the first day of my last visit to Disney World, I saw a family win a "Dream". I was on the Boardwalk with my husband watching a magician. A CM walked through the crowd and handed him a paper. A parade of 15-20 CM's, each holding a balloon, walked in and stood side by side behind the magician. The magician explained what a Year of a Million Dreams meant and said one was going to be awarded. He asked if the Edwards family from Wales was in the crowd and would they come forward. A family of 5 or 6 came forward. Their prize was a private cruise to watch fireworks that evening. At the end the CM's let the balloons go into the air. Of course, the family was stunned and pleased and the crowd applauded them. I was surprised to witness the event. I didn't think the program was going to begin until Oct. 1.

 

[mamatojon]

That is so cool! I don't think for a minute I'll win a dream, but I really hope to at least see one awarded.

 

[Entropy]

On September 20, the first day of my last visit to Disney World, I saw a family win a "Dream". I was on the Boardwalk with my husband watching a magician. A CM walked through the crowd and handed him a paper. A parade of 15-20 CM's, each holding a balloon, walked in and stood side by side behind the magician. The magician explained what a Year of a Million Dreams meant and said one was going to be awarded. He asked if the Edwards family from Wales was in the crowd and would they come forward. A family of 5 or 6 came forward. Their prize was a private cruise to watch fireworks that evening. At the end the CM's let the balloons go into the air. Of course, the family was stunned and pleased and the crowd applauded them. I was surprised to witness the event. I didn't think the program was going to begin until Oct. 1.

That's kind of creepy. How did they know where to find them? A Magic Mirror?

 

[Beaniebug]

How awesome is that! Wow! Just read about the family that entered the MK all by themselves - now that is a dream come true!

 

[castleri]

They were doing some "practice" dreams while we were there also - On the 25th a woman in our Segway tour group was given some sort of lithograph and the day we were at Animal Kingdom a woman was awarded a free cupcake and drums were played at Flame Tree BarBQ. Guess as usual they wanted to make certain they have any possible wrinkles ironed out before the official start of the event. The woman in the tour was called by name so maybe this family was actually on a tour or something where the names were available or the magician may have asked for names and locations before he started his act. Would love to have some type of dream award in December but just being there will be a dream in itself.

 

[Olaf]

That is so cool about the family from Wales. I would have loved to have been there and seen it happen. We're going in December and I hope I get to see one awarded or win one myself, but as a poster has already stated, being there is the real reward.

 

[DVC Grammy]

I think that YOAMD just adds to why we love Disney: When you're in WDW, there's always a chance of getting "dusted"!

 

[lovinthemouse]

I absolutely love Disney. The magic never ceases to amaze me. How very exciting for that family. We are going in July and I hope to just see one awarded too. Disney AHHHH just love it.

 

[stinkerbell_&_Co]

Wow...that must have been so exciting for the family!

 

[Santa]

That's kind of creepy. How did they know where to find them? A Magic Mirror?

Biometrics?

 

[disneykidatheart]

That's kind of creepy. How did they know where to find them? A Magic Mirror?

My husband said they walk up along with the CM's. I didn't notice them or may have thought they were walking by and stopped to see what was going on. How they were actually selected is anyone's guess but their name was on the Magician's paper. They were clearly surprised as to why they were selected. Maybe a conversation at check-in? Or another encounter with a CM? Who knows? My comment to my husband was that it was good Disney PR to select someone from the UK as that will be good advertising to take back to their friends. I know we have a following of UK members on this board. There were no children with the group so there is even a chance for we empty nesters to share the dream!

 

[cookies]

How do you get chosen for this? Do you need to write a letter or are you randomnly choosen?

 

[Sammie]

How do you get chosen for this? Do you need to write a letter or are you randomnly choosen?

You can mail a postcard in for some prizes but others are random and you must be at WDW or Disneyland to be chosen.

Also, starting on September 18, 2006, eligible participants can enter without being present in a Disney Property by writing their full name, complete mailing address (including postal code), daytime telephone number (including area code), and date of birth on a 3.5"x5" postcard and sending it with proper postage affixed to: (i) if a legal resident of the United States, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada or Mexico: P.O. Box 8629, Elmhurst, IL 60126; or (ii) if a legal resident of the United Kingdom: Disney Dream Giveaway, 483 Green Lanes, London N13 4BS. Participants may enter once per day during the Giveaway Period. All mail-in entries must be mailed separately, postmarked by December 31, 2007 and received by January 14, 2008 or they will be void.

 

[Tink-n-Belle]

Looks like the YOAMD is going to be really magical.

Not only would is be great to win something, but watching others get surprised is just as much fun. According to another thread, LTT is giving "unbirthday cakes" to families, Soarin is letting some famiies ride 1st Class, the Garden Grill restuarant is selecting "farm families" where the characters actually will sit at your table throughout your meal and how some people are getting to tour rides.

Also, the Rose and Crown has a table set up for "ROYALITY" only. One lucky family gets to dine at the "Royal table"

I think this promotion is really great. Can't WAIT to go!!! 6 more weeks!!!

 

[byoung]

Going on the 20th, if it could only happen to us. We can always dream right.

 

[DisneyMama27]

Just there - we saw several families with "Dream Fast Passes" - I assume part of the YOAMD? They seemed to be good for just that park, tho. Being there was happy enough for us, and we just bought DVC, so we are SO excited to go back soon!