After much speculation, this afternoon Disney finally announced what will take over from the “Year of a Million Dreams” celebration at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland.

“What Will You Celebrate?” kicks off in January 2009 and gives anyone celebrating a birthday one day’s free entry to the parks on their birthday. Guests who already hold Annual Passes or multi-day tickets can get the equivalent of a 1-day Magic Your Way base ticket as a merchandise gift card, or a special birthday FASTPASS badge+ for certain attractions at the Theme Park you visit on your birthday.

The official press release tries to big up the celebration by encouraging guests to customize their “celebration vacations,” but they all appear just to be different ways of Disney to get you to part with your money. Personalized souvenirs, family portraits, fireworks cruises, plus a new range of “celebration desserts.” By playing on the celebration theme are Disney simply finding a new way to get you to take part in activities you wouldn’t normally have considered, thereby lining their pockets? 

And what about those of us who can’t visit on our birthdays? Unless you’re the Queen you only get one birthday a year, and for most people there are many factors that dictate when they can pay the Mouse a visit, including kids’ schooling, work, and financial issues. I fear there are more people who will miss out on the benefits of this celebration than will actually gain from it.

What are your thoughts?