What Would You Give for a Day at Disney?

Rewarding Volunteer Efforts at Disney Parks

With Spring Break less than 2 months away, my kids are clamoring for me to (finally) make good on my promise to take them to Disneyland.  We live in Oregon, so its a do-able drive to Southern California.  Still, its not cheap to attend the Magic Kingdom.

Yet, I have mixed feelings about Disney’s volunteer program, “Give a Day Get a Disney Day.”  If you and/or your children perform approved community service in 2010, you’ll receive free Disney admission for a single day, at either Disneyland (California) or Disney World (Florida).  There are loads of restrictions, as well, but that’s not what has me scratching my head.

Don’t get me wrong… I am all for encouraging kids to give back.  But I think that the reward in doing so should be limited to the “feel good” aspect of lending a helping hand.  “Volunteer” means just that – doing something without expecting anything in return.  You don’t get paid!  So why should you get a free day at Disney?

Volunteering could pave your way to Disney parks

My children are very involved in charitable organizations.  They plant trees with the Boy Scouts, help at church at least once a month, we also work with the Elks Club to gather food donations for needy families over the holidays.  If you ask my husband, I probably spend way too much time volunteering (what is that saying?  somebody please stop me before I raise my hand again?)

Would I give one more day, along with my kids, to get in free to the Magic Kingdom?  Is that right?  Am I sending the proper message to my kids?

On the other hand, I have to say that, to the extent the Disney volunteer program brings out people that otherwise would not be lending a hand, its a total success.  In fact, Disney is looking to draw 1 million volunteers in 2010 alone.  Just maybe the promise of a free Disney admission could be that tipping point.

What do you think?  Is the Give a Day, Get a Disney Day a worthy program, or a misguided commercial plug to draw more paying customers into the parks?

If you are interested in earning a Day at Disney, here are the general guidelines (see the FAQ section of the website for more info):

• Age: Must be at least 6 to earn a Disney day by volunteering
• Limit one free day per participating volunteer (each member of your family can volunteer and each person could get in free, but you only get 1 day overall – not multiple visits)
• Must live in the U.S., Canada or Puerto Rico
• Only approved volunteer programs qualify – enter your zip code to get a list of available dates and community service opportunities in your area
• Expires on 12/15/10
• Many blackout dates (which means Spring Break at Disneyland is out for us):
  • For Walt Disney World® Resort: March 29 – April 8 and July 4, 2010
  • For the Disneyland® Resort: February 13-14, March 21, June 21-22, July 4, November 21, and December 11-12, 2010

Regardless of whether you plan to go to a Disney Park this year, why not involve yourself and your kids in your community?  Trust me, it feels great (thrill rides and popcorn, aside)!