The Walt Disney Company announced their newest advertising campaign on Thursday and revealed that if you come to Disneyland or Disney World on your birthday, you will be granted free (yes, FREE) admission into the parks. This will no doubt be an extremely popular campaign.

The free birthday offering is just the icing on the cake for Disney’s newest marketing campaign which targets “Celebration Vacations.”   The press release explains that “In 2009, Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts will lead this growing trend with new entertainment and services that allow guests to turn their personal milestones into magical Disney experiences.”

But that’s not all, Disney will promote over 200 experiences at Disney World alone, ranging from “Breathtaking (magical fireworks cruises, sunrise safaris, diving the depths with undersea creatures) to mirth-making (Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, character dining, kids’ pirate adventures). At Disneyland Resort, celebrants can book more than 50 magical experiences including ‘My Disneyland Birthday Party’ and guided tours that reveal Walt Disney’s inspiration for Disney Parks.”

The release continues, “With all there is to do in Disney parks, guests can tailor their celebration with favorite attractions, favorite characters and special experiences. Maybe they have a “princess” day with themed meals, shows, attractions and perfectly princess merchandise at Disneyland. Or they turn Walt Disney World “wild” with trail riding, bass fishing and parasailing.”

While the marketing is a distinct improvement over the confusing year of a million dreams campaign, many of the items being promoted aren’t so much new as they are simply being targeted toward those celebrating certain occasions.  The new Disney Celebrations make it easier to play a specialized trip, but don’t offer much in the way of new thrills and attractions for regular park guests.

What will you celebrate?  A birthday, anniversary, wedding, achievement?  What will Disney celebrate?  With any luck, another year of record attendance.

You can research all of your options for both Disneyland and Walt Disney World at www.disneyparks.com.

All photos copyright Disney