With their families in tow, 31 of the 33 miners exchanged hugs with Disney`s main man Mickey, some riding in carriages as crowds cheered and waved Chilean flags on their parade at theme parks in Orlando, Florida.
"This is unforgettable, it is a dream come true. I am 64 years old, but I was like the littlest kid," joked Mario Gomez, the eldest of the miners.
"Ever since I was a kid, I have dreamed what it would be like to come see these parks, and I have loved meeting the characters," he told AFP in a phone call. "I get along best with the boss: Mickey Mouse."
Gomez, who was joined by wife Liliana and daughters Romina, 20, and Maria Jose, 17, said he and his fellow miners had paid a "really high price" during their grueling 69-day ordeal trapped in a caved-in Chilean gold and copper mine.
"These miners` incredible story captured the world`s attention for their strength and resilience of the human spirit," said Zoraya Suarez, a company spokeswoman. "We are proud to welcome these men and celebrate their courage."
Television broadcasts of the rescue made them international celebrities, and brought a cascade of invitations from around the world.
In December, 26 of the miners traveled to England to watch a Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Arsenal.
In November, all 33 toured Hollywood and Beverly Hills as guests of CNN. (*)
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
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