Disney to Welcome Chilean Miners, Rescuers
A New Year will mean new memories for the Chilean miners whose saga transfixed the world, as they are treated to a hero’s welcome and family vacations of a lifetime at Walt Disney World Resort next month, says Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.
During their complimentary six-night Disney vacation, Jan. 27-Feb. 2, 2011, the miners, their rescuers and immediate families will meet Disney characters, visit all four Walt Disney World theme parks and serve as honorary Grand Marshals of the Main Street, U.S.A. parade in Magic Kingdom.
Trapped 2,300 feet inside the earth for 69 days in a collapsed Chilean mine, the men were pulled from the darkness in a miracle rescue. In one of the year’s most touching stories, their unbending faith and endurance sustained them throughout the ordeal.
[ Also Read: 100 Dreamers for Disney’s Dreamers Academy ]Meanwhile, Spike TV and reality show producer, Thom Beers, are going to take viewers down into the depths of the Earth for a look at one of the world’s most dangerous and compelling jobs, coal mining.
Spike TV will premiere the 10 episode, one-hour series ‘Coal’ in April 2011. It will be executive produced by Beers’ Original Productions, a FremantleMedia Company. (Read: Spike TV Series on the Lives of Coal Miners)
Moreover, President Barack Obama welcomed NASA Administrator Charles Bolden and a NASA team that assisted trapped Chilean miners to the Oval Office for a ceremony that recognized Americans involved in the rescue. (Read: President Obama Honors NASA for Miners’ Rescue)
“The amazing story of these miners captured the attention of the world for demonstrating the true power and resilience of the human spirit,” said Disney president and CEO Bob Iger.
“We are proud to welcome these courageous men and their families to the Walt Disney World Resort.”
[ Also Read: Come to Play Disney Tangled: The Video Game ]The group will arrive to a welcome dinner with characters, dancing and Chilean cuisine prepared by Disney chefs.
During their vacation, they also will be treated to a $500 gift card per family, a group photo in front of Cinderella Castle and personal photo albums of their visit, informed Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Thursday, Dec. 23.
