Disney World to end Grad Nite

Graduating high school seniors from Orlando and those traveling to Florida from around the U.S. will have their last Grad Nite at Walt Disney World Resort's Magic Kingdom this Spring, as the Disney World is pulling the plug on the annual event after 2011.

Concerns over scheduling and handling extra spring attendance at Magic Kingdom, one of the four theme parks at the Disney World located near Orlando in Florida, have led authorities to put an end to the Grad Nite festivities, Walt Disney announced on Wednesday.

We will no longer be hosting Disney Grad Nite at the Walt Disney World Resort after this year’s event. With more leisure guests visiting in the springtime, it’s become challenging to schedule special events during April and May, Thomas Smith, Social Media Director of Disney Parks stated in the Disney Parks Blog.

However, graduates will be offered opportunities to celebrate in the Disney Parks at more convenient times.

Through special pricing, we’ll be offering students the flexibility to visit and celebrate their achievements here at the parks when they want to, Smith said.

As an alternative and to combat students' disappointment, Florida's Disney World will offer school groups a special one-day, one-park ticket for $55 valid anytime of the year.

An exclusive high school graduation celebration, Disney Grad Nite is also held at California's Disneyland Resort and is in its 50th year in 2011. While Disneyland will continue to offer Grad Nite festivities, the 40th year of the celebration at Florida's Disney World will eventually end.

This year's Grad Nite at Florida's theme park is scheduled for April 29 and 30, and May 6 and 7.