After all, this was Disney a company known for taking photos of families throughout its theme parks
By: Steve Feitl
Steven Hitzel didn’t think much of it when photographers approached him as his family boarded a Disney Cruise Line ship last month.
After all, this was Disney a company known for taking photos of families throughout its theme parks. Mr. Hitzel assumed this was no different and his family would receive the opportunity to purchase the photos.
This time, however, there would be no fee.
The Hitzel family of Hopewell was the millionth family to book a trip with the Disney Cruise Line, and on Aug. 30, they boarded the Disney Wonder cruise ship to a gala celebration with photographers, confetti and balloons.
"We thought this was how everyone entered," Mr. Hitzel’s wife, Teri, said. "Then they told us we were the millionth family on the Disney Cruise Line. Steve and I just looked at each other and realized this was different than just walking on the boat."
In fact, it started a whirlwind three-day cruise, during which the Hitzels were treated like celebrities, according to Ms. Hitzel.
The Hitzel family, which also includes daughter Nicolette, 12, and sons Steven, 8, and Jeremy, 4, was immediately upgraded from a standard room to a suite with a veranda.
Additionally, the Hopewell residents received a photo album of approximately 50 complimentary 8-by-10 photographs taken by Disney cast members throughout the excursion. They also received a copy of the video that documented their arrival at Port Canaveral, Fla., and the surprise that awaited them as they boarded the Disney Wonder.
As part of their vacation package, the Hitzels had spent four nights staying at the Dolphin Hotel at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla. On Aug. 30, they were picked up by a bus at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park and driven to Port Canaveral.
When the bus arrived, the Hitzels later learned an alarm had sounded, preparing the Disney cast members for the arrival of their special guests. The Hopewell family never heard the alarm, however, because they were taking in the 1940s décor of the port and taking video of the cruise ship they were about to board.
"They were all waiting for us and it’s funny because we were dilly-dallying, taking pictures of the terminal and the boat," Mr. Hitzel said. "Their biggest concern was that we were going to walk onto the bus with Universal shirts on."
Luckily, the Hitzels were not wearing anything advertising Disney’s competition in the theme park industry, but did board the boat hoping to get some much-needed rest after their four days of sun and theme parks in Orlando.
"We just wanted to get to our room on the ship," Mr. Hitzel said. "That was the most ironic part. Our mind set was to just get into the room and relax. That’s all we wanted."
Of course, they received a lot more than they expected.
After being informed of their importance in the Disney universe, the Hitzels were introduced to Disney Cruise Line President Matt Ouimet, who thanked the family for their cooperation in promoting the event.
"(Mr. Ouimet) explained to us how far the Disney Cruise Line has come in three years," Ms. Hitzel said. "He was very gracious in thanking us for helping them with their PR for the event. He told us the look on our faces would be one of his all-time favorite Disney memories."
And Disney didn’t stop with promotional video filmed during their arrival. The company also arranged for live interviews with morning news programs on the Philadelphia affiliates of NBC and ABC.
Disney even made phone calls informing Hitzel family friends back in the area of the television coverage, so the Hitzels would have videos of their brush with fame.
"I was happy they made the calls for us since the cost of phone calls from ship to shore was $7 a minute," Mr. Hitzel joked.
But maybe the biggest reward the Hitzels earned was a 20-person family reunion cruise. The Hopewell family is still narrowing the list of 15 other family members who will join them on their second Disney cruise, but they are definitely looking forward to another getaway courtesy of Disney.
It’s especially sweet for the Hitzels since they spent the better part of one day of their previous cruise helping Disney with its promotional work.
"It took up a lot of time," Ms. Hitzel admitted, "but how many people get to be broadcast live on television?"
"We weren’t complaining too much," Mr. Hitzel added.
With what time the Hitzels did get to spend enjoying the cruise itself, they were thoroughly impressed with the overwhelming amount of activities available to cruise guests of all ages.
There were arcades, movie theaters and three pools for the kids, not to mention Broadway-style shows for the adults. Every dinner took place in a different restaurant with a different theme. For example, one night the Hitzels ate at The Animator’s Palette a restaurant with walls featuring black and white sketches of Disney characters that periodically transformed into full-color depictions.
On top of that, there were excursions planned for each port that the Disney Wonder pulled into, including snorkeling, wave running and parasailing.
"We went there to relax," Mr. Hitzel said. "But you can be involved in as many activities as you want. There is stuff going on nonstop for every age group."
But without a doubt, unexpectedly stepping onto the cruise ship as the guests of honor will remain the lasting memory of the Hitzel’s vacation, according to Mr. Hitzel.
His wife agreed.
"Disney was able to incorporate a regular family into the Disney experience, and made us feel comfortable in it," she said. "We felt we were a part of the show. A lot of people want to be a part of the Disney world, and they were able to do that for us."

