Walt Disney World Resort Ready for Tourism Rebound With New Attractions, Celebration and Resort Values

Business Wire, April 18, 2002

Business Editors/Travel Writers

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 18, 2002

As tourism continues its rebound, Walt Disney World officials today announced an aggressive summer strategy that combines new park experiences, the most successful property-wide celebration ever and continued seasonal savings at resort hotels.

"Our business continues to improve, and though overall we are not back at the same levels as last year, we see many optimistic signs," said Walt Disney World President Al Weiss. "We just came off one of our strongest Easter holiday seasons ever, our advance bookings in February and March were the strongest we've ever seen in those months, and we expect to have our complete inventory of resort rooms up and running for guests by May 31 in anticipation of summer crowds."

And Walt Disney World Resort will greet those summer visitors with an ambitious slate of new attractions, new entertainment and the continuation of the 100 Years of Magic celebration -- its most successful yearlong event yet.

-- Guests can stay at a value resort, such as Disney's All-Star Music Resort,
for $74 per night -- a savings of $25 on the non-discount summer rate.

-- Guests can stay at a moderate resort, such as Disney's Port Orleans Resort,
for $94 per night -- a savings of $60 on the non-discount summer rate.

-- Guests can stay at a deluxe resort, such as Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge,
for $139 per night -- a savings of $100 on the non-discount summer rate.

And while the attractions and entertainment may be new, one thing won't be changing at Walt Disney World Resort this summer -- the price of admission. Current one-day, one-park tickets are $48, $38 ages 3-9.

"Here at Walt Disney World, we will not raise ticket prices this summer," Weiss said. "While our business continues to improve, we realize that the soft economy has had an impact on many families. So we're doing all we can to remind them that Walt Disney World remains an outstanding vacation value."

With that in mind, Walt Disney World Resort will continue to offer special room rates at Disney's value, moderate and deluxe accommodations. For instance, most nights from June 23 to Aug. 24, 2002:

-- Guests can stay at a value resort, such as Disney's All-Star Music Resort,
for $74 per night -- a savings of $25 on the non-discount summer rate.

-- Guests can stay at a moderate resort, such as Disney's Port Orleans Resort,
for $94 per night -- a savings of $60 on the non-discount summer rate.

-- Guests can stay at a deluxe resort, such as Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge,
for $139 per night -- a savings of $100 on the non-discount summer rate.

(Room rates do not include tax. The number of rooms available at these rates is limited, and rooms must be booked by May 19.)

"With so many new shows and attractions, our spectacular 100 Years of Magic celebration and extra value on hotels rooms," Weiss said, "there has never been a better summer to visit Walt Disney World."

Editor's Note/Not For Publication: For photographs, access the Walt Disney World Media Relations media only Web site at http://www.wdwnews.com; user name: disney; password: magic.