ANAHEIM : Disneyland to Offer Gulf Family Freebie
As a gesture of thanks to the families of those stationed in the Persian Gulf during the holiday season, Disneyland officials announced Monday that the amusement park will be opened free the nights of Dec. 10 and 11 for spouses and dependents of service people assigned to Operation Desert Shield.
But to avoid congestion like that at Knott’s Berry Farm when it offered a Veterans Day freebie for active and retired military families, those who attend Disneyland’s free nights will have to get tickets from military bases.
“We’re hopeful that given the fact that we’re doing it over two nights we can accommodate well over 30,000 people total,” Disneyland publicity manager Bob Roth said. “Hopefully, we’ll accommodate all those who want to participate, and at the same time, we’ll know each evening what the total attendance will be ahead of time.”
Knott’s Berry Farm’s free admission day, which was advertised at all Southern California military commands and in local newspapers, attracted so many people that park officials had to turn away visitors by 1 p.m., and parking lots were jammed.
Roth said that Disneyland is targeting the families of military personnel at Southern California bases from Point Mugu to San Diego and that families should check with the Morale, Welfare and Recreation departments at their own bases for information on tickets.
The park will be open from 7 p.m. to midnight on the two nights just to the military families, and almost all attractions will be open.
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