MIAMI - The Chilean miners whose epic rescue won them fame and commercial currency marched as heroes Monday with cartoon characters at Disney World, their helmets crowned with Mickey Mouse ears.

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.