The latest target of Walt Disney World's array of specially-arranged, high-dollar private parties is a lineup of quinceañera events, a traditional Latin coming-of-age celebrations.
The resort already offers specially-planned functions such as weddings, held in their own private pavilion and accompanied by a lavish selection of options.
Quinceañera events are a tradition in many Latin cultures, lavish extravaganzas for girls turning age 15, symbolizing the passage from flat-soled shoes and dolls to high heels, elaborate gowns and womanhood.
More than a million Latinas turn 15 in an average year and the tradition provides the Central Florida resort a way to connect the event to a family vacation, according to Disney.
To announce the new program, Disney hosted a group of essay contest winners who received an all-expense paid trip for their family and a wardrobe for the elaborate event Tuesday.
The all-Spanish language-event started at the Magic Kingdom Cinderella Castle stage, where dads ceremoniously changed flat shoes for high heels and waltzed with their daughters.
After a dinner in Fantasyland with mariachis, a DJ, a serenade by Grammy award-winning pop sensation Fonseca and a nearly 11-foot tiered cake, the group watched fireworks and departed the event in horse-drawn carriages down Main Street, U.S.A. with the rising sun.
Disney (NYSE: DIS) says the packages start at $1,800 for a dessert party and fireworks in Epcot and range up to $20,000 for a fantasy ball for 100 attendees and higher for customized packages.
The party was taped by Show de Cristina, a Univision program airing May 28 at 10 p.m. ET. Host Cristina Saralegui was the Madrina (godmother) of the celebration.
