2012 is going to make a lot more people excited for Leap Year than the usual five that are excited that this is the year they finally get a birthday. Disneyland is planning something big for February 29 this year! Both Disneyland and its counterpart in Orlando, Disneyworld, will be open for 24 hours straight. This will be the first time that either park has ever been open for 24 consecutive hours. “One More Disney Day,” as Disney is calling the event, will coincide with their “Let the Memories Begin” campaign. Tom Staggs, the chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, explained that for the past year, Disney has been urging visitors to come to the park in the spirit of making memories. “We’re honored that so many guests have shared their Disney memories with us as part of ‘Let the Memories Begin’, and I’m pleased to announce that the campaign will continue throughout 2012,” Staggs said. “To celebrate, for the first time ever, the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Parks will remain open for 24 hours on Leap Day, so that our guests can take advantage of every minute of their extra day to make memories with friends and family.”
There are a lot of memories to be made during the 24 hour Disneyland adventure–that’s 1,440 minutes, or 86,400 seconds. As of January 1, Disney is giving away a vacation package every day to one winner who enters their sweepstakes on their website. A full 24 hours at Disneyland would be epic! Think about all the rides you can go on when you’re all hopped up on churros and energy drinks. It’ll be just like grad night, except this time, you’ll actually remember all the memories you make. It will be just like grad night, except this time, you’ll actually remember all the memories you make (and the last thing you’re going to do is try and hook up on Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride again). I have a lot of fond memories of Disneyland as a child; most of them are thanks to my friend’s sister, who took me on the roller coasters. I would have flipped if there was a 24 hour Disney fest like this when I was a kid. What ride are you going to go on first? Set your alarms Mickey fanatics, because the second the park opens at 6 a.m. on February 29, you can cram as many attractions as you can until it closes at 6 a.m. on March 1.