Winners - Unlock the Magic
Look who won Visa’s Unlock the Magic promotion
In Visa’s first national consumer promotion with Disney, Unlock the Magic, awarded 100 winners and each of their seven guests with a magical 4-day/3-night Walt Disney World vacation, including admission to an exclusive after-hours Magic Kingdom Party. Cardholders who used their Visa card to make purchases from May 1 through June 30, 2003, were automatically entered to win this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The Walt Disney World Resort welcomed all of the winners and each of their guests with a dream-come-true evening at the after-hours party complete with a red carpet welcome and access to select park attractions. All the winners and their guests experienced the vacation from April 30 through May 3, 2004.
We invite you to learn more about this magical weekend and share in the winners’ stories.
On this page
Mickey's Kiss Goodnight topped off the evening
Alice in Wonderland greets a new friend
Riding the carousel at the Unlock the Magic party
Visitors to Cinderella's Castle look for Prince Charming
You never know who you'll meet at the Magic Kingdom Park
Unlock the Magic experiences
Marriage proposal fit for a kingdom
According to Jim of Morona, Wisconsin, “Our son proposed to his girlfriend at the Magic Kingdom during the party. She accepted!”
The proud father in-law to be said, “The night could not have been more magical, with the engagement, family, dinner, parade, rides, and fireworks.”
Unforgettable
Carolyn, of San Francisco, California, described it as, “Unbelievable! It was hard to believe that I had won something this BIG, this cool! The Visa Unlock the Magic weekend was truly magical—from the moment I stepped off the plane! Staying at the Contemporary Resort was an awesome experience—with the monorail going right through our hotel. We have unforgettable memories of our magical weekend! Thank you so much Visa and Walt Disney World from the bottom of our hearts.”
Soldier’s family gets warm welcome
Pam, of Raymond, Mississippi, whose husband has been on active duty in Iraq said, “This trip was a welcomed distraction for my children (2 and 3) and me.”
When Pam was asked what her favorite part of the Magic Kingdom after-hours party was, she exclaimed, “No lines!”
Rockin’ wedding anniversary
Lynise and her husband Steve, of Barrington, Illinois, found out they had won just in time for their 35th wedding anniversary. Lynise said proudly, “From the moment we received the letter saying that we were winners, I was thrilled beyond belief. To win an all-expense paid trip to one of my favorite places was a dream come true. The weekend was wonderful. We were treated like royalty, like winners! I got to talk to Steven Tyler of Aerosmith while we were both in the Japanese department store!”
As the couple watched the fireworks at midnight, they “felt that everyone was helping us celebrate our 35 years together.”
Believe in magic
Thinking back to when Byron, of Portland, Oregon, found out he was a winner, he recalled, “I did not believe we won, I almost hung up on the caller!”
According to Byron, he and his family loved “the parade, fireworks, and being able to go on rides without standing in line.”
Too good to be true
Alicia, of Gilbert, Arizona, had never won anything before. Realizing this was real, she said, “Spending $11.70 and winning a trip for myself and seven others seemed too good to be true. But, it was true and it was awesome!”
She and her husband brought their six children along for the trip, where Visa and Disney helped create “a memory to last a lifetime”.
Grandpa wins first visit to Disney World
For Joe, of Nashville, Tennessee, “Seeing the grand kids’ faces light-up so many times was great.” Reflecting upon the event, he said “I had never been to Disney World before and Visa left no stone unturned in taking care of every little detail” and “the hotel and their personnel were No. 1.”
Cherish the memories
Jeff of Springfield, Missouri, had this to say, “My family and I would like to thank all the employees of Visa, Disney, and whoever else is responsible for giving us a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience Disney World. We will cherish the memories that you made possible.”
