A Disney World Birthday? Free Entry, Free Hotel, Parents of Quints Profit Most!

You don't have to be a mindreader to understand that tough economic times may force some families to postpone a long-dreamed of Disney vacation. But before you can say "Abracadabra," the Disney theme parks have joined with tour operators and airlines to introduce savings that will appeal to all travelers who have a birthday in 2009. Before you read on, keep in mind that second-quarter earnings reports indicate these Disney savings brought more traffic to the parks, but fewer profits, so we think you should book now and lock in what's on offer.

Disney Parks are offering special perks and programs to families who are celebrating any event during their vacation. Calling it a "newly identified nationwide travel trend called 'celebration vacations'" (as if we haven't seen this before?), the company will ask its guests whether they are marking a birthday, anniversary, reunion, Quinceanera (15th birthday popular with Hispanic families) or any other special occasion, then provide buttons and other nifty tokens to make these guests feel even more special. More than 200 customizable experiences, ranging from fireworks cruises and sunrise safaris to role-playing in the adorable Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, character dining, and kids' pirate adventures will be made available for an extra fee.

Best yet, any guest gets free admission to America's Disney parks on his or her birthday, making this an especially good deal for families with twins or even quints. To capitalize on this savings offer, Orlando's Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts are giving any guest -- of any age -- who books at least a three-night stay over their birthday, their birthday night hotel stay free, too.

And, as an added surprise, birthday guests who dine at one of the resort’s signature restaurants during their stay will receive a complimentary cake prepared by the resort’s executive pastry chef and only two-time world pastry champion Laurent Branlard. The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort’s signature restaurants include the celebrity chef venue Todd English’s bluezoo (with a gourmet kids' menu), the football-themed Shula’s Steak House and the acclaimed Il Mulino New York Trattoria. There's also a 24-hour food court style venue called Picabu. Even fussy-eating kids should be comfortable at any of these party-worthy restaurants, so that complimentary cake should be much appreciated!

On non-birthday days, there are lots of ways to have fun at this very large complex without even entering the surrounding theme parks. There are 5 swimming pools, including a grotto pool with waterfalls and water slide and white sand beach; jogging trails; 2 health clubs, whirlpools and saunas; electric boat rentals; Camp Dolphin supervised children’s activities (more on that below); a beachside playground for toddlers; 2 game rooms; an on-site character dining experience; pampering (for a fee) at the Mandara Spa; and nearby championship golf, tennis and mini-golf.

Camp Dolphin (pictured above) operates daily for ages 4-12, in the afternoons and evenings. The supervised fee-based program features arts 'n'crafts, movies, a video arcade, and even a special dinner program for the kids. Staffed by a team of licensed counselors, parents are assured of a safe and fun environment for kids. We love the “Straight A Club” which recognizes the importance of hard work by giving special attention to kids with straight A’s on their report card -- including a “Straight A Club” cap. (The wearer of this cap is entitled to a free cup or cone of ice cream at the hotel’s ice cream parlor and in the restaurants parents receive a 20% discount off the child’s meal.)

Families going to the parks can take advantage of special WDW-hotel benefits which include complimentary transportation to the parks, "Extra Magic Hours" in which each day, one of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks opens one hour early or remains open up to three hours after regular Park closing time. Book with a travel agent, or by calling 888/828-8850 or visiting www.swandolphin.com/offers. Guests must bring valid ID including proof of birth date, and travel by December 31, 2009.

Keep in mind that 2009 brings some great new attractions and entertainment at Orlando's Walt Disney World -- like "Toy Story Mania!" and "Block Party Bash." Your little ones will like "Pixie Hollow" at Magic Kingdom, where guests can meet Tinker Bell and friends from "Fairies," and the new Kim Possible interactive adventure at Epcot.

Do you need anything more to celebrate?