Search Is On For First Ever Walt Disney World Family

[SMAX]

In a year which has seen the ‘Great’ put back into Britain, it seems our American friends across the pond are keen to adopt some of our British heritage too. Walt Disney World resort in Florida today announced that it’s looking for its first ever ‘Walt Disney World Family’ – and it’s looking here in the UK. This never-been-done before search will unearth a unique family that captures what Walt Disney World is all about.

[SMAX]

From today, UK families will be able to enter at disney/waltdisneyworldfamily simply by explaining what makes their family one of a kind and why they best represent the attributes of Walt Disney World - ‘fun, relaxation thrills and memories’. Much like the recent Emmy award-winning ‘Modern Family’, this world first family can be made up of a number of different people, including immediate or distant family, friends, colleagues or even neighbours.

The winning British family, as judged by a panel including well-known family girl Jemma Kidd, herself from a large and diverse family, will become famous both in the UK with their family name commemorated on the Florida resort for an entire year, as well as featuring in a new marketing campaign.

The hunt coincides with new research from Walt Disney World, amongst 2,000 UK adults, looking back at family holidays in 2012, year of the Jubilee and Olympics, and reveals a new wave of ‘togetherness’ amongst British families.

It shows that a typical family holiday made up of ‘mum, dad and the kids’ is becoming a thing of the past, with a third of Brits (33%) now holidaying with five or more people. Additionally, more than a quarter (27%) of UK family holidays in 2012 consisted of three or more generations of the same family.

And Brits are no longer choosing to spend their holidays with just their immediate family; the survey also found that 28% of British adults went on a family holiday with their parents or in-laws in 2012 and more than 60% have even taken their friends. And it’s nice to see that this new inclusive trend even extends to ex-partners, with more than a third of us having taken our ex on a family holiday within the past 12 months.

As for why we are going away in these extended, multigenerational family groups - for 63% of Brits, a family holiday is one of the only times that they get to spend quality time together, with only 15% of people meeting up with the people they go on a family holiday with more than three times a year.



Liz Fraser, well-known family commentator says: “2012 has been the year that GB has bonded. This multi-generational holiday trend is a win-win for everyone. It fosters a supportive and inclusive environment, meaning everyone has a better time during their ‘down time’. ”

Hugh Wood, Vice President and Managing Director of Disney Destinations International says: “Our first ever hunt for a UK family that best represents what Walt Disney World is all about shows just how ‘special’ Great Britain is regarded right now. This new wave of ‘togetherness’ highlighted by our research findings, shows that now more than ever, people are looking for a holiday to cater for the whole family’s needs. Here at Walt Disney World, we know how important it is for families to spend quality time together when they come away, which is why we ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy – from embarking on wild Africa treks through Animal Kingdom and learning to surf at the Typhoon Lagoon to relaxing with a game of golf at one of our five courses or with a spa treatment at our health clubs”.

For almost half of Brits (48%), having shared experiences and creating memories as a family to look back on is one of the key reasons why families still holiday together, soWalt Disney World Florida is the perfect holiday destination, offering something for everyone of all ages, from children to parents alike. From the heart and soul of the thrilling Magic Kingdom theme park to water parks, golf courses, shopping and entertainment complexes, beach resorts and spas, there’s magic around every corner.



One winner will be judged by the Walt Disney World judging panel to be the first Walt Disney World First Family. Their entry will show that they represent what Walt Disney World is about, in particular they:

Can’t wait to tell us about their unique family dynamic
LOVE Disney parks
Plan every holiday around shared experiences
Look to try a variety of new things every time they go on holiday together
Make the most of every holiday experience together
To be in with a chance of becoming the world’s first Walt Disney World family, all you need to do is complete our simple three step process:

1. Tell us about your family, and the one thing they’d most like to do at Walt Disney World

2. Complete the following statement in 100 words or fewer:My family should be the world’s first ever Walt Disney World Family because…

3. Show us your family! Upload a photo(s) or a video of the people you’d like to take to Walt Disney World for this once in a lifetime holiday (max 10 people)

The competition closes on Wednesday 17th October 2012 at 16.00 GMT

[Cannavar]

I'm guessing that as a standard 2+2 family, we don't stand a chance in this!

[kcsunshine73]

Originally Posted by Cannavar

I'm guessing that as a standard 2+2 family, we don't stand a chance in this!

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I was just thinking the same thing ... looks like they want non-standard.

[Guest]

Originally Posted by kcsunshine73

I was just thinking the same thing ... looks like they want non-standard.

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Maybe as a two adults / no kids family we'd qualify as non-standard bit I'm not holding my breath!

[Guest]

It's certainly a good idea, in my honest opinion.
I guess anybody, standard 2 + 2 family or otherwise, has a chance to win. So, good luck to anybody who does put themselves and their family forward

[Guest]

It's for up to 10 people - sadly I'm thinking I'm not unique - we are just an average family same as most of us here, and I'm happy to be like that!
Enough dramas and sadness that who wants to be unique?

[kirst_al UK]

It does say up to 10 tho guys - give it a try !

[Guest]

everyone is ordinary

come on guys give it a go

You've Got to be in it TO WIN IT

[shack69]

Pity there is a limit as we could put ourselves forward as the DIBB family , as I bet we have at least one group in Disney every week of the year, and regularly have mini dibb meets. lol