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50 years of magic at Walt Disney World. 50 years since Magic Kingdom opened its doors to Guests.
And now, 50 members of the same family have won the vacation of a lifetime.
Yes, you read that correctly. One lucky New York family has won the ultimate trip for 50 people to the Walt Disney World Resort in Visit Orlando’s “Most Magical Gathering” Contest!
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken many milestones from families, and Visit Orlando looked to give those back to one family with their magical prize worth over $91,000. Provided by Disney Meetings and Events, the ultimate family Disney vacation prize was offering groups a way to celebrate missed occasions with family and friends.
This week, Jennifer Young of Bayport, New York, got the amazing news that she had won the trip of a lifetime for herself and 49 of her closest family members and friends.
Credit: Visit Orlando
Visit Orlando’s “Most Magical Gathering Contest” offered eligible entrants the opportunity to complete an online entry form, respond to the question “Why do you and your family need a Magical Gathering?” in 250 words or less, and submit a family group photo.
The amazing prize for Disney World’s 50th anniversary had to be taken from March 4 to March 7, 2022 and included round-trip flights from Spirit Airways for EVERY member of the group.
Jennifer Young’s story explained how her circle of family and friends is a tight-knit bunch. Jennifer heartwarmingly wrote that they believe laughing together makes life so much better.
Of course, her story also described the impact that the global pandemic has had on her and her group, with missed birthdays and major milestones. She and her husband will be celebrating their 50th birthday (just like Walt Disney World), and her parents will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.
Furthermore, Jennifer’s mother-in-law is celebrating her 80th birthday, while other family and friends have missed high school graduations, college graduations, and a 16th birthday.
Credit: Visit Orlando
Cheering, clapping, and tears of joy were all heard as Jennifer and her family were surprised with the news on a Zoom call.
Representatives from Visit Orlando, Walt Disney World, and Spirit Airlines were all online for the call and made the announcement to the family.
Her family and friends joined the surprise call from New York, Delaware, and South Carolina, and looked ecstatic to get the news that they’d won the prize. Casandra Matej, President and CEO of Visit Orlando, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome the Young family to our destination this spring and help them celebrate some huge milestones events with their beloved friends and family members. There’s no better place than Orlando for Jennifer and her family to finally reunite, enjoy magical experiences, and create incredible memories they will cherish for a lifetime.”
Credit: Disney Tips
Maryann Smith, Vice President of Sales, Services, and Events at Disney Destinations, was also on the call, and expressed her happiness at seeing this family get the ultimate Disney vacation prize:
“What a joy to get to host Jennifer and her family at Walt Disney World Resort during our magical 50th anniversary celebration. Memories are made here every day, and we can’t wait to see what magical memories Jennifer’s family makes and brings home.”
The original wording of the Visit Orlando contest read:
Follow the steps below for your chance to win the ultimate family trip of a lifetime on March 4 – 7, 2022 to include a three-night/four-day stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, Disney theme park tickets, and flights to Orlando provided by Spirit Airlines.
Plus, you’ll receive two magical private catered events by Disney Meetings & Events to celebrate your missed milestones with your very own fairy godmother (Disney event planner)! Just submit your story in 250 words or less, detailing why you and your family need a Magical Gathering and what milestones you’ll be celebrating, along with a family photo.
We can’t wait to hear how Jennifer and her group’s complimentary magical trip to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom goes.
We know we wish we could be part of her 50 friends!
