It's Lights Out For Disney World's Grad Nite
ORLANDO (CBS4) -- A forty-year tradition, a rite of passage for millions of Florida high school seniors, comes to an end this weekend with the final Grad Nite at Disney World.
The annual after-hours event for high school seniors ends with Saturday's last bash for the Class of 2011. For years, high school seniors took over the park for late-night concerts, rides and other events especially catered for them.
Now, however, Disney officials say with more and more people visiting the park during the Spring, it has become a challenge to schedule special night time events in April and May.
Grad Nite began in 1972, shortly after the Magic Kingdom opened. Disney officials say the company will offer Florida schools a "Disney Senior Class Trip" next year -- a special one-day, one-park ticket for $55 valid any time.
Over the years, Grad Night performers have included New Kids on the Block, the Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears and Destiny's Child.
Officials say the Grad Nite at Disneyland in California will continue.
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