Five years ago Disneyland started a program for Anaheim sixth-graders to earn free park tickets. Now, the Orange County Register is reporting that the program has been canceled 5 years ahead of schedule.
The program, called the “Happiest Class on Earth”, gave sixth-graders who fulfilled a community service project free tickets to Disneyland. The program launched Disneyland’s 60th anniversary celebration and was slated to last 10 years.
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A similar, much longer arrangement with Walt Disney Elementary in Anaheim is also ending. That arrangement was included in the “Happiest Class on Earth” program 5 years ago. Local educators say students will be disappointed to learn that the programs have been canceled early.
“It was something sixth graders look forward to all school year,” said Disney Elementary Principal Regina Ford. “It’s going to be heartbreaking to tell the kids.”
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Disney is citing the COVID pandemic as the reason for ending the programs. A Disneyland Resort official said, “As a result of the pandemic, we had to make many difficult decisions related to our business and unfortunately ending this program was one of them.” The official also said Disneyland will offer new opportunities for schools and non-profits to earn tickets in the future.
Anaheim educators appreciated the donations and services from Disney but are disappointed the company didn’t keep its promise.
“This was such a big promotional campaign by Disneyland. All the kids knew about it. And we appreciate we got the chance for some students,” said Frank Donavan, superintendent of the Magnolia School District. “But it’s unfortunate they didn’t at least phase it out,” he said. “They are not keeping their commitment.”
Students wanting to earn Disneyland tickets could work in groups or individually. Across Anaheim, students raised money for non-profits, volunteered at senior centers, wrote letters to troops overseas and engaged in conservation work.
Disneyland’s decision to end the program early is a business decision but will leave the students disappointed nonetheless.
Source: OC Register
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