i Magical Gatherings: The More, The Merrier (NAPSA)}—Onehottrend in travel today is extending the family vacation beyond the immediate family. “Research shows that spending quality time with family and friends tops the list of things people want to do on vacation today,” said Peter Yesawich, co-author of the widely quoted National Leisure Travel Monitor. According to surveys, groups are increasingly looking beyond backyards and state parks for a more creative location that appealstoall. Taking note of this trend, travel programs give guests special opportunities to relive memo- ries and make new ones, address- ing everything from the details of planning an extended-family vacation to dining and entertainment, sports and recreation. For example, Walt Disney World Resort recently launched Magical Gatherings, a multifaceted program of new products and services designed with these extended travel groups in mind. A Magical Gatheringof eight or more people staying at a Walt Disney World resort offers add-on options including: The International Dinner and IllumiNations Dessert Recep- tion at Epcot. A dinner featuring international cuisine, storytelling and entertainment ends with a special viewing of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” fireworks spectacular. The “Good Morning Gathering” breakfast at Magic Kingdom. Guests meet favorite Disney characters—with special one-on-one time with Mickey Mouse—and experience magical surprises to start their day. The “Safari Celebration Dinner” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Guests enjoy an end-of-day safari followed by a dinnerreception at the Africa section of the park, complete with live entertainment. MORE THAN MERRIER—Guests “togethering” at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Shared moments are the focus of Disney’s new Magical Gatherings program. The “Magical Fireworks Voy- age.” An evening cruise on Seven Seas Lagoon, where guests enjoy entertainment surprises andfireworks explode over Cinderella Castle. Magical Gatherings makes the planningprocess painlessbyoffering: e A Vacation Planning Kit, complete with video or DVD and step-by-step information on how to plan a Magical Gathering. Personalized Web-based planningtools to assist communication amongthe group. What makes any Magical Gathering even more magical are the new Mission: SPACE at Epcot; “Mickey’s PhilharMagic” 3-D musical adventure at the Magic Kingdom; and “Wishes,” the most spectacular fireworks show ever to paint the sky above Cinderella Castle. For more information, call 407/W-DISNEY or go to disney world.com. To download online planning tools, guests can visit www.disneyworld.com/magical gatherings.
