More than 200 Students Enter Downtown Disney Resort Area Hotels 2nd Annual Teachers Contest

April 19, 2010

Students have until May 31 to nominate favorite teachers for chance to win 10 Disney vacations for four

ORLANDO, Fla. (April 2010) ? More than 200 students from around the country already have entered the A+ For Teachers at Downtown Disney awards competition being hosted by the Downtown Disney Resort Area Hotels in partnership with AirTran Airways and Walt Disney World®, and more are expected to participate before the competition ends on May 31, 2010.

The contest asks participants to nominate their favorite teacher, with winning educators and the students who nominate them each receiving a four-day, three-night vacation trip to one of the seven Downtown Disney Resort Area Hotels. Entrants to date are praising their teachers for hard work, mentoring, a sense of humor, engaging lesson plans, dedication, patience, and sincere concern for their students.

The essays relate tales of educators who stand out with their unique teaching and ability to connect with students. One fifth grade teacher makes her students pancakes to help ease test stress. Another shows movies on Fridays when her students behave and achieve their academic goals. And a second grade teacher awards Boiler Bucks to her students who can purchase a variety of rewards for positive academic performance.

Students wishing to nominate their teachers for consideration have until May 31 to write a brief essay and submit it via the Downtown Disney Resort Area Hotels? Web site at www.downtowndisneyhotels.com. Entrants also were solicited via Facebook through April 17. Ten national winners will be chosen, and both the participant and their favorite teacher nominee will win the prize package that includes:
- Four-day / three-night accommodations for up to four people at one of the Downtown Disney® Resort Area Hotels
- Free airfare to Orlando for up to four people on AirTran Airways (for residents outside of Florida)
- Four free Walt Disney World® one-day, one-park passes
- Complimentary breakfast at the hotel each day for up to four people

"Downtown Disney Resort Area Hotels want to celebrate those teachers who truly make a difference in the lives of their students in spite of the many challenges their schools are facing,? said Kelly Knowlen, chairperson of the organization?s marketing committee. ?We?re thrilled with the entries we have received to date in our nationwide contest, and we look forward to rewarding 10 lucky entrants.?

Contest winners will be announced on the hotels? Web site and on its Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Downtown-Disney-Resort-Area-Hotels/341724754559?ref=search&sid=1584280967.1384715324..1.

About Downtown Disney Resort Area Hotels
Downtown Disney Resort Area Hotels is a consortium of seven official Walt Disney World® Resort hotels that includes Best Western, Holiday Inn, Doubletree Guest Suites, Regal Sun Resort, Hilton, Royal Plaza and the Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa. With nearly 30 food and beverage outlets and restaurants, more than 3,600 rooms and scores of amenities, they offer a rate, space and menu to please every guest. Located in the heart of Downtown Disney, these properties are within walking distance of some of the area's best shopping, dining and entertainment.

Guests staying at these Official Walt Disney World hotels receive special privileges not available at hotels outside of the Disney Resort, such as:
- Complimentary transportation to all four Disney theme parks, two of Disney's water parks and Downtown Disney every 30 minutes
- Advanced tee times and discounts at all four Disney championship golf courses
- Disney?s Extra Magic Hours (at select hotels)
- Delivery of souvenirs purchased at the parks directly to their hotel room at no cost

To make a reservation or for more information on the A+ For Teachers at Downtown Disney, visit www.downtowndisneyhotels.com