Southwest Airlines is going all-in on Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration, and the company is helping its passengers feel the magic as well.
Southwest is giving away a trip to Walt Disney World Resort every day until November 16. Consumers can enter daily for a prize that includes lodging, theme park tickets, a $200 Disney gift card, and round-trip tickets to Orlando for the winner and three guests.
“For 50 years, Southwest has connected our customers to the people and places that matter most,” Brandy King, director of public relations at Southwest, said in a statement. “Celebrating 50 years of making memories during our shared milestone anniversary is at the heart of this magical collaboration with the Walt Disney World Resort.”
Southwest customers can get a sneak peek at some of Disney’s celebrations with exclusive video on the airline’s in-flight entertainment portal. The video will showcase some of the special moments to come during the 18-month anniversary celebration, which begins October 1.
“As Walt Disney World Resort kicks off the World’s Most Magical Celebration commemorating our 50th anniversary, we are thrilled to bring even more magic to guests’ vacations and to the sky with the help of our friends at Southwest,” said Claire Bilby, senior vice president of Disney Destinations. “Both Walt Disney World Resort and Southwest Airlines share an incredible 50-year legacy of creating exceptional vacation experiences and treasured memories for guests.”
And if anyone isn’t convinced Southwest is all-in on this celebration, the airline unveiled its newest plane this week co-branded with Disney. The exterior of the 737-700 is covered in characters and iconic features from Disney.
The plane was unveiled in Houston with Mickey and Minnie there, and a number of Disney employees. The plane then took off for its maiden flight to Orlando, of course. The plane will fly with the markings on a number of Southwest routes until March, giving customers all across the country 6 months to see the special plane.
In addition to the contest and the special plane, Southwest and Disney have teamed up to offer special packages on trips to Orlando. Travelers who book between October 19 and November 1, and spend at least $1,000, will get a $50 discount on a package that includes flight and hotel at a Disney property. Customers must travel by April 2022 to be eligible.