Conference koolit::disney

From: [email protected] (Julian Hayward)
Subject: WDW 20th Birtday Celebrations
Date: 11 Mar 91 22:48:21 GMT
Organization: The Direct Connection, UK
 
 
Uploaded to Compuserve by a Disney employee - It is the text of a 
WDW Press Release:
 
 
Information released by WDW Creative Entertainment indicates the following
entertainment events are planned for WDW's 20th Birthday during 1991:
 
In the Magic Kingdom ********************
 
Show producer Chase Senge calls this "the biggest, best parade in 'World'
history," with a cast of brightly colored, larger-than-life inflated Disney
characters heralding festivals from regions of the world in "Surprise
Celebration".  New Orleans' Mardi Gras, Latin America's Carnivale de Rio and
Europe's Carnival in Venice are celebrated in music, dance and stunning
costuming during the 20-minute daily parade.
 
Roger Rabbit decked out as the carnival jester will soar above a carriage on
which a surprise grand marshal, selected from park visitors, leads the
procession.  He will be followed by Goofy as a 60-foot Jack-in-the-box, Minnie
Mouse as a towering Brazilian dance queen, Donald Duck as a giant calypso
drummer, Pluto in his Caribbean garb and Mickey in his royal finest.  Over 100
musicians and dancers will accompany the merriment.
 
Also in the Magic Kingdom *************************
 
Future-technology wizardry creates a moving gallery of light, music and color
called "Electromagic," the biggest nighttime attraction ever viewed. "Imagine
complete animated cels the size of a house," says Show Producer Don France. 
"That's what we are producing with a synthesis of music, light and mechanical
animation along the mile-long Magic Kingdom parade route"
 
The 25-minute production borrows from the prismatic holographic industry,
military lighting developments, electro-luminescent and fiber-optics
technologies, and tosses in light-spreading thermoplastics, clouds of underlit
liquid nitrogen smoke and a sprinkling of good old-fashioned twinkle lights.
 
Powered by batteries and synchronized by computer with a new, digital music
score, the light show portrays the magical worlds of Disney -music, wonder,
fantasy and dreams.
 
Mickey Mouse in prisms of light leads the way, followed by tableaus depicting
the merriment of a musical band and colorful garden, the beauty of the sea,
the wonder of flying horses, and the chilling specter of an evil, winged
monster with a 38-foot wingspan.  The final act is a 150-foot long unit
showcasing Cinderella's coach and carousel.  At the front, Practical Pig dips
his paint brush into white, give a "swish," and the entire scene turns a
scintillating, brilliant white.  Jiminy Cricket, perched at the back,
sprinkles a confetti of light while Practical Pig plunges his brush into
colors and restores the stunning array of hues to coach, carousel and
everything else in the scene.
 
The high-tech spectacle of lights is complemented by a musical main theme plus
individual musical numbers relating to show segments -- "an entire environment
of sound," France says.
 
"The music and show are totally integrated," adds Disney entertainment vice
president Ron Logan.  "Our goal is: if a blind man and a deaf man are standing
together, they'll feel and experience the same thing."
 
At EPCOT Center ***************
 
Daytime at EPCOT Center will be brighter than ever as explosive rainbow colors
fill the sky during daily presentations of "Disney's Magical World of Color." 
Vivid fireworks in reds, blues and greens announce a show featuring boats with
multi-colored flags which pull six colorful delta-wing kites into the air,
where they are joined by 10 paraplanes flying the the colors of EPCOT Center's
World Showcase nations.
 
Patriotic music introduces a red, white and blue paraplane and similarly
colored pyrotechnics as the squadron of planes join in the display with a
release of red, white and blue smoke.  Thirty-five-foot-high inflatable Disney
characters in international garb pop up along World Showcase promenade (At
last!  "Character Cavalcade" -- originally slated to debut with Illuminations
-- still lives!) and become rallying points for the "real live" characters to
meet and greet EPCOT Center guests.
 
At Disney-MGM Studios *********************
 
Mickey Mouse will be master of ceremonies for a stage spectacular featuring
movie magic an illusions.  In the spirit of the grand Hollywood variety
specials, magicians share billing with the maestro as lively music, songs and
dance numbers are presented between magic acts.  Featured dancers are the
Disney Girls.
 
During shows in all three parks as well as resort shows throughout Walt Disney
World, Roger Rabbit pops in on the action to announce "Sur-p-p-prise!" in
show-stoppers filled with music and fun involving guests selected from the
audience, plus surprise gifts and honors.
 
 
 
-- 
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()_()   JULES                          |  [email protected]
 (_)    a.k.a. Julian Hayward          |  
-----------------------------------------------------------------

    Isn't the celebration supposed to run from 9/1/91 to 9/1/92?
    
    Mike

    
    	There's been even more info released about what's going on at WDW
    during its 20th anniversary. The following article -- reprinted here
    without permission -- was published in the March 28, 1991 edition of
    " The Eyes and Ears " ( The official in-house newspaper for WDW 
    employees ). It reads as follows ( With my own editorial comments in
    parathenses -- JRH ) :
    
    	PLANS FOR 20TH UNVEILED AT " STATE OF THE WORLD "
    
    	The Walt Disney World Resort's 20th anniversary celebration will 
    be " the world's biggest surprise party featuring the greatest single
    debut of new entertainment in Disney history, " announced Dick Nunis,
    President of Walt Disney World, at our company's " State of the World "
    address. This annual series of presentations hosted by Dick and Tom
    Elrod, Senior vice president of Marketing / Admissions, for Walt Disney
    World management and the Osceola and Orange County Chamber of Commerce
    is underway this week.
    	In addition to sharing what's in store for the 20th, Dick and Tom
    made a host of other announcements  :
    
    	* Japan's snow capped volcano, Mt. Fuji, may be coming to Florida
    as a thrill attraction to compliment the Japan showcase at EPCOT
    Center. ( What happened to the announced Swiss pavilion and the 
    Matterhorn ? Does this mean that this project's been abandoned in
    favor or Mt. Fuji, or are we now gonna get TWO mountains at EPCOT ? )
    
    	* In the discussion stages is a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle-themed
    restaurant. ( It's moved past the discussion stage. It's now slated to
    be called " Donatello's Pizzeria " and will be located in the what-was
    -once called the " Muppet Studios " building, in place of the " Great
    Gonzo's Pizza Pandemonium. " ... And -- contary to earlier reports --
    it looks like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles could be strolling 
    around the studio theme park for many years to come ... )
    
    	* " Kermit the Frog Presents Muppetvision 3-D " will premiere in
    June at the Disney - MGM Studios. ( I'm told that the press will
    officially get a peek at the production on Saturday, April 27. During
    the month of May, the attraction will have its " soft opening " -- 
    when members of the public will be allowed in to " test drive " the
    film. Come Saturday, June 2nd -- with much hoopla -- the attraction
    opens to the public. Supposedly, this is one of the best shows ever 
    created for a Disney park -- with 3-D film, audio animatronics, live
    actors and in - theater special effects making this a more than 
    memorable experience ... )
    
    	* Disney Imagineers are moving forward on " Sunset Boulevard, "
    a new street of dreams that may open as early as 1994 with shows based
    on a variety of movies themes. ( But you can forget about the
    previously announced " Dick Tracy - Crime Stoppers " attraction. In
    spite of the three Oscars and $ 100,000,000 plus the film recieved,
    Disney is embarassed by its association with this semi-flop and had 
    quietly cancelled all of the film's planned sequels and spin-offs. 
    So there'll be no inter-active " Dick Tracy " ride-through attraction
    for WDW. But, in its place, you might see a " Temple of Doom " thrill
    ride .. Remember, you read it hear first .... )
    
    	* Disney-MGM animators are at work right now on " Beauty and the
    Beast, " our company's 30th animated feature, which is scheduled for a
    Thanksgiving release. ( This film was put together by the same team
    that created the most popular animated feature of all time, " The
    Little Mermaid. " It's got a really catchy score and looks to be a big
    hit come Christmas. )
    
    	* The Space Pavilion for Future World at EPCOT Center is in the 
    development stages. ( It's been in the development phase for 10 YEARS
    now ! Construction for this pavilion is not expected to get underway
    BEFORE 1995. The debut of this new area / attraction -- tenatively
    scheduled to be located between " Horizons " and " World of Motion " --
    will be tied to the completion of " Future World " 's facelift, which
    will get underway in October 1992.
    
    	* A Boardwalk Resort will be constructed across from Disney's
    Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. It will combine an old-fashioned
    boardwalk with a seaside resort hotel featuring 500 suites. ( Florida
    thrill fans will be glad to hear that the great old wooden roller 
    coaster that graced " Boardwalk and Baseball " for many years will 
    be reborn at WDW next year. It'll be just one of the " Coney Island "
    style entertainments you'll be able to sample along Disney's Board-
    Walk. )
    
    	* Plans for the Osceola Center continue to move forward. In the 
    next 60 days, detailed plans are scheduled to be submitted to
    appropriate agencies for review. Architectural design competitions
    have begun for both the Disney Institute and the Regional Retail 
    Center. A 240,000 square foot office center is planned ; it will 
    house Disney offices and other businesses. ( And -- if all goes
    according to plan -- this will also be where Disney will build the
    future city that EPCOT was SUPPOSED TO BE ! )
    
    	* Our company's plans for Earth Day include moving a 52 foot tall
    oak tree from the Tree Farm to : Old Man Island " at the Port Orleans
    and Dixie Landings resort site. The project is designed to demonstrate
    that old trees need not be destroyed by progress ; they can be moved.
    ( Disney's been doing this for years around the property. Only now 
    that it's " politically correct " to be enviromentally smart is Disney
    promoting its tree relocation activities. )
    
    	* Cast members will be extending their services to the community 
    through Mickey's VoluntEars, which will be launched this year. ( A 
    move to try to redeem Disney's reputation in the Orlando / Orange 
    County area. While much loved by us DEC Disney dweebs, Mickey and 
    his pals are not the nicest neighbors. )
    
    	* Our company has been working with community leaders to improve
    the overall road system in the area. ( This is the first part of 
    Disney's local attempt at redeeming itself. For the first in its 
    history, the Walt Disney Company -- not Orange County or Florida
    State funds -- will be paying for the upkeep and repairs of the
    highways located directly outside the Disney property, The company
    will also be funding the creation of new highways in and around 
    their property, to ease the flow of traffic through the Disney 
    resort. This is going to take big bucks, but also means that Disney
    will have a free hand in the roadway's routes and location. All of
    this will become important in the late 90's when Disney unveils its
    fourth Florida theme park, " Disney's Animal Kingdom. " ... Remember,
    you heard that name here first ! )
    
    	.... I'll input the rest of the article when my boss stops making
    mean faces for doing personal work on company time.
    
    			Later, 
    					jrh

    
    	Okay, now the rest of that WDW 20th anniversary article :
    
    		MICKEY'S SURPRISE PARTY
    
    	Beginning October 1, the anniversary of the grand opening of the
    Walt Disney World Resort, it will be a year of surprises plus all-new
    parades, shows and entertainment spectaculars.
    	In store for the Magic Kingdom, said Tom " is not one, but two
    incredible parades. The first, ' Mickey's Surprise Party,' is a daily
    Mardi Gras celebration that's longer than a football field and almost 
    as tall. " Towering 55 to 65 feet over Main Street, U.S.A., a cast of
    brilliantly colored, larger-than-life inflated Disney characters herald
    festivals from regions of the world in a " Surprise Celebration. "
    ( This sounds very similiar to the parade Disneyland featured last
    year during its 35th Anniversary. However, judging by the descriptions
    of the balloons that'll be featured in the parade, I think we're gonna
    see all-new inflatables here. The same floats and costumes, mind you,
    but different balloons. )
    	
    	NIGHT-TIME MAGIC AT THE MAGIC KINGDOM PARK
    
    	" The Magic Kingdom is also where we'll debut our second parade, "
    said Dick. " This year will mark the end of the Main Street Electrical
    Parade. In fact, this summer will be the last chance to see this
    classic. " For the new classic, " ElectroMagic, " future-technology
    wizardy creates a moving gallery of light, sound and color.
    	Mickey Mouse in prisms of light leads the parade, followed by 
    tableaus depicting the merriment of a musical band and colorful garden,
    the beauty of the sea, the wonder of flying horses, and the chilling 
    spectre of an evil, winged monster with a 38 foot wingspan.
    	A fanfare unit announces the final act - a 150 foot long unit
    showcasing Cinderella's coach and carousel all decked out in dazzling
    colors.
    
    		.. AND DAY-TIME MAGIC AT EPCOT CENTER
    
    	" The 20th birthday party will go outside the Magic Kingdom Park
    too, " noted Tom. Explosive rainbow colors will fill the sky during a
    daily day-time spectacular at Epcot Center. Vivid fireworks in reds,
    blues and greens announce a show featuring boats with multi-colored
    flags that pull six colorful delta-wing kites into the air, where they
    are joined by 10 paraplanes flying the colors of EPCOT Center's World
    Showcase nations.
    	Along World Showcase promenade, thirty five foot high inflatable
    Disney characters in international garb pop up and become rallying
    points for characters to meet and greet EPCOT Center guests.
    
    		MORE SURPRISES AT THE DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS 
    
    	At the Disney-MGM Studios, Mickey Mouse is master of ceremonies
    for " Mickey's Magic Show, " a stage spectacular featuring movie magic
    and illusions at the Theater of the Stars.
    	In the spirit of grand Hollywood variety specials, magicians share
    billing with the maestro as lively music, songs and dance numbers are 
    presented between magic acts.
    
    		THE WORLD'S BIGGEST PARTY
    
    	Besides the new shows, plans for the 20th include a worldwide
    search for 80 million people. Tom explained : " We're going to try to
    bring back everyone who ever visited the Walt Disney World Resort in 
    the past 20 years ... When the guests return to Walt Disney World
    they'll be met with special honors and offers. "
    	" We've promised a big party ... and we're going to deliver, "
    Dick emphasized.
    
    	-----------------------------------------------------------
    
    	That's it for the article. And -- while I am pleased to hear
    about of the new shows and stuff planned for WDW's 20th anniversary --
    I have to admit that I'm not thrilled at the idea of Disney pulling the
    plug on the " Main Street Electrical Parade. " This summer is our last
    chance to see this classic ? That's too sad to think about ...
    	Well, all I can say is this " ElectroMagic " parade better be 
    pretty damn snazzy or I'm starting a " Save the ELP " campaign as
    soon as I get back from Orlando ....
    
    		Comments ?
    
    					jrh
    

re: .4

Do you have any idea when ElectroMagic will start running?  I'll be
at WDW on October 1 and would love to see the new parade.  But since
the Electric Parade usually doesn't at that time of the year, the new
probably won't be running either.  I guess I can always hope that they'll
change when it runs.

Marilyn
158 days to go

    I'm confused.  I have heard various and sundry dates for the 20th
    anniversary celebration period at WDW. Can anyone post the "official"
    anniversary celebration period dates here? We're planning a trip this
    September (1991), and I thought that we would be there during this
    "anniversary celebration", but notes in here seem to indicate that that
    may not be the case.
    
    Please help. Thanks...

    I thought it was October 1, 1991 thru October 1, 1992.
    
    Maybe Robespierre can verify.
    
    Mike_who_hopes_the_celebration_continues_385_days_from_today

    In the  past WDW, celebrated their 5th,10th and 15th anniversaries from
    October 1st of  that  given  year 'till September 30th of the following
    year, since WDW was born on October 1st '71 (Grand Opening Ceremonies).
    I was there for  their  5th  in  April  '77,  just missed their 10th in
    November  '82,  and was there  for  their  15th  in  April  '87.    All
    indications was that it would be  October  '91  till  September '92 for
    their 20th (I hope I don't miss the festivities come April '92).
    
    I also remember adds for their 15th anniversary  and  haven't  seen any
    yet announcing their 20th anniversary party yet.
    
    Disneyland however seems to celebrate based on  calendar years of late,
    so who knows.
    
    Claude_308_days_and_some_hours_to_go

    I think the big press do-dah is scheduled for around Oct. 1.  We will
    be there the week before. I tried to extend my reservation into the
    weekend of the 28th, but the place is pretty much booked-up. (At least
    for the $99 special).

    I'm hoping that there will be "soft openings" of some of the
    Anniversary events while we are there.

    
    On Saturday I received the new 20th Anniversay mailorder catalog
    celebrating  20 Magical Years. Most of the regular gifts watches,
    plates ect. One nice piece were boxer shorts with film frames with
    various images of Mickey Animated Evolution. It also featured a
    hardcover book updated on WDW Complex.
    
    happy shopping
    
    steve 

Steve,

	Is there an address or phone number for getting a copy of this new
catalog?  I don't know that I'm on a mailing list for this.

Thanks,

Joey

    
    
    Joey,
    
    I think on their since I ordered a Davey Crocket cap last year.
    Here's the #
    
    WDW M.O. Dept.
    PO Box 10,070
    Lake Buena Vista, FL 32819
    407-934-4718
    
    ps. This number can be used to order anything that's available in any
    of the parks.

Thanks for the information!  I love catalogs, especially Disney!

    
    	Well, we're still about a month and a half away from the official 
    kick-off of Walt Disney World's 20th anniversary celebration. While
    the Disney Company has officially said very little about they've got
    planned, bits and pieces have begun to leak out about the special shows
    and events that'll debut during the year-long anniversary celebration.
    	Take -- for example -- this article that ran in the August 8, 1991
    edition of " The Eyes and Ears, " the official in-house newspaper for
    Walt Disney World employees. ( This article is reprinted here without
    permission )
    
    	20TH ANNIVERSARY BRINGS WORLD'S LARGEST DAYTIME FIREWORKS SHOW
    				TO EPCOT CENTER
    
    	Colors take flight and wrap a rainbow around World Showcase in 
    " Surprise in the Skies, " a new daytime show to premiere September
    30th at Epcot Center as part of our 20th Anniversary celebration.
    	Boats, kites, paraplanes, hang gliders, fireworks and giant
    balloons are combined in this ambitious production that encircles 
    World Showcase Lagoon and soars over the Park.
    	" The show features, without a doubt, the largest daytime fire-
    works display, " said show producer Steve Hedrick. 12 minutes, more
    than 850 custom-made shells explode.
    	" Surprise in the Skies " opens with ethereal melodies and
    pyrotechnices as six boat enter World Showcase Lagoon and slowly
    begin circling to create a carousel of color on the water. Hang
    gliders with shimmering streamers are released from the boats to lift
    the colorful effect 400 feet into the sky.
    	As the hang gliders drift to earth, eight paraplanes are sighted,
    circling 500 feet in the air. As they sweep closer to World Showcase
    Lagoon, guests get a closer look at the pilots -- Mickey, Minnie,
    Pluto, Goofy, Chip, Dale, Pooh, and Tigger -- in colorful aviator
    suits.
    	The paraplanes begin their exit as six brilliantly colored " aqua
    kites " with pryotechnices emerge from the waters of World Showcase
    Lagoon. The six are attached to the boats, trailing a dozen kites each.
    More than a mile of multicolored kite lines soar gracefully from the
    boats to dance high above the water.
    	Familiar patriotic tunes are heard as a paraplane piloted by Mickey
    Mouse and trailing red, white and blue stars appears above the American
    Adventure. Mickey circles the lagoon and is joined by the other seven
    paraplanes, all with a wake of red, white and blue stars. Attention
    turns to the American Adventure as a 55-foot high Mickey Mouse balloon
    rises dramatically in front of the pavilion. Guests are surrounded by 
    patriotic sights and sounds as fireworks explode from the center of the
    lagoon and the giant Mickey Mouse balloon slowlt rotates.
    	As the characters circle in their paraplanes, the original theme
    music begins as 45-foot high, cold air character balloons -- Mickey,
    Pooh, Robin Hood, Pluto, Tigger, Minnie, Daisy Duck, Pinocchio, Chip
    n' Dale, Donald Duck and Goofy -- rise in front of the 11 World 
    Showcase pavilions. Fireworks fill the skies, and the boats with the
    stunt kites re-enter the lagoon for a final explosion of colors. " Many
    of daytime fireworks are created with colored smokle rather than the
    colored lights used for night-time displays, " said production manager
    Tony Peugh.
    	The sound systemsurrounding World Showcase uses digital playback
    for a total of 410 speakers that encircle the lagoon. They produce
    75,000 watts of audio power, according to Tony.
    	" Surprise in the Skies " is directed by Michael Maines with music
    by John Debney to contemporary orchestral sounds.
    
    	------------------------------------------------------------
    
    	FWIW -- " Surprise in the Skies " sounds like an ambitious show,
    but long-time Disney fans may recognize a lot of the elements used in
    this program. The boats, paraplanes and hang gliders were all part of
    a previous Epcot Center show, " Skylidascope. " That day-time pageant
    was dis-continued a year or two ago due to several accidents involving
    the ultra-lights that were used in the program. If I'm not mistaken,
    one or more of the pilots died during the run of that show.
    	The difference this time around seems to be the heavy use of
    classic Disney characters in an Epcot Center show. ( Yet another sign
    of Eisner and crew trying to pump more of the fun, family elements that
    people usually associate with a Disney theme park into the ailing Epcot
    enviroment ) I've seen several mock-ups of the character balloons
    that'll tower over the various World Showcase pavilions and they're
    really rather witty. The Disney character balloons will be located
    at the following pavilions :
    
    	Winnie the Pooh -- Canada ( Dressed as a Mountie with a honeybee
    						in his paw )
    
    	Robin Hood -- The United Kingdom
    
    	Pluto -- Mexico ( Wearing a somberro and serrape )
    
    	Tigger -- Morroco ( Wearing a fez )
    
    	Minnie Mouse -- Japan ( Wearing a kimono )
    
    	Chip 'n' Dale -- China 
    
    	Goofy -- Norway ( Wearing a great Viking helmet, complete with
    					horns )
    
    	Pinocchio -- Italy
    
    	Daisy Duck -- Germany
    
    	Donald Duck -- France
    
    	Mickey Mouse -- America ( Yep, there'll be * TWO * Mickeys at the
    				   American Adventure : The 55-foot high
    			            version out by the water and the 45
    				     foot version on top of the roof .. )
    
    		As I understand it, " Surprise in the Skies " is supposed
    to be performed daily at Epcot Center beginning at 2 p.m. The Disney
    character balloons will remain inflated on top of their various World
    Showcases for an hour or so after the pageant ends, then they'll be
    quickly and quietly deflated and folded up -- to get them ready for
    the next days' performance.
    
    	All in all, it sounds like a pretty good show. Your comments ?
                                                                      

    Jim,
    
    A few questions...
    
     o Are the plans calling for "Surprise in the Sky" to run until
       September, 1992?
    
     o Also, is there any reason why they picked 2 P.M? They must feel it's
       peak time. Will the Pardy Gras in TMK be at 3?
    
     o I'd like to know how they rehearse this unless they do it real early
       in the morning during the mid Summer months. I figure sometime
       between 5 and 8 A.M. would be the only time.
    
     Mike

    Our last day at WDW will be on the 27th.  What are the chances that
    they'll be running a preview, dress rehersal, or soft opening before
    the 30th?
    

    
    	RE : The last few
    
    	 Though Disney's being pretty secretive about its plans for its
    20th Anniversary events at WDW, It's my understanding that " Surprise in
    the Sky " will run at least through the spring of 1992. If the show
    proves to be popular with guests visiting Epcot Center, it'll probably
    run the full year.
    	As for its show time ... Don't hold me to that 2 p.m. I listed in
    my article. It's my understanding that that's the time for the very
    first performance of " Surprise in the Sky " on Tuesday, October 1st.
    Given that this will be a special performance ( Disney expects to have
    George Bush as well as 10,000 reporters on the property for a special
    three day party to kick off WDW's 20th anniversary ), that show time
    could be later or earlier than the standard daily performance. To get
    the proper show time for the days you'll be visiting the park, give
    Guest Relations a call when you get on property.
    	As for how and when they rehearse the show, if you'd like to catch
    them in action, try to visit Epcot Center first thing in the morning.
    They usually run the technical rehearsals for these pageants ( as well
    as the weekly refresher sessions ) from first light until right up
    until they let the first guests into the World Showcase part of the 
    park ... If you visit Epcot early enough, you can probably get a 
    glimpse of the rehearsal action from the roped off parts of Future
    World that they keep the first guests at the park penned up in ....
    Though -- come to think of it -- you could probably get just as
    good a peak at the flight rehearsals if you ate your breakfast at
    poolside at the Carribbean Beach's Old Port Royal.
    	Oh -- and while I hate to be the bearer of bad news -- but if you
    * are * visiting the park on or around October 1st, chances are you're
    gonna have one or more of the three parks ( Plus Pleasure Island )
    close early on you during your visit. To accomodate the president 
    ( Who's supposed to present the first of his " 1000 Points of Light "
    honors recipients with their awards while he's in WDW ) as well as
    the 10,000 reporters visiting, Disney will be holding special parties
    in each of the three parks on seperate nights. In order to get each
    of the parks ready for these parties, this means that -- on their
    particular day -- that park will close to the public at 3 or 4 p.m.
    I haven't got a definitive schedule yet on which park closes when,
    but it's my understanding that Pleasure Island will be closed to the
    public on Sunday evening, September 29th, Epcot Center will be closing
    early on Monday, September 30th, the Magic Kingdom on Tuesday, October
    1st and Disney-MGM Studio Theme Park on Wednesday, October 2nd. Bush
    is supposed to arrive on the property Monday afternoon, hold his
    " Points of Lights " ceremony in front of the American Adventure 
    pavilion that evening, make an appearance at the resort's rededication
    ceremony on Tuesday morning, then fly back to Washington that
    afternoon.
    
    	Any other questions, folks ?
    

    Yeah Jim....any of this stuff gonna be televised?
    
    Mike_who_hopes_"Surprise_in_the_Skies"_lasts_a_year

    In light of planned extravaganzas for the 20th anniv, does anyone have
    any "in the know" information or educated guesses about how these
    events will affect traffic (i.e. attendance) in the parks this fall?
    
    My family is contemplating a fall visit (between Oct 12 and November
    9). We're planning our visit then to avoid summer crowds, but if this 20th
    celebration means summer attendance figures, I don't know. We have a
    4 and 6 year old and I don't want to stand in lines...
    
    Any insights or ideas would be appreciated. It certainly seems that
    crowds will be up during the kickoff period (October 1-6) at least!
                                                              

    I think the only time you'd see Summer crowds would be around Easter,
    July 4th (of course), and Xmas. Of course on special days (like Oct. 1,
    1991) the crowds will be substantial.
    
    With schools back in session I don't think you'll see big time crowds
    from mid Oct. to mid Nov.
    
    Also remember that everyone has their own "crowd threshold". There's a
    fine line between "just crowded enough for me" and "let's get outta
    here."
    
    Mike

    
    	RE : Last couple of replies
    
    		Finally got the definitive info on when the park will
    be closing over the 20th anniversary weekend. According to the fall
    issue of the Walt Disney World Four Season Salute ( A quarterly 
    newsletter mailed out to Florida residents who have annual passports
    to the WDW resort ), the following hours will be in effect :
    
    	       		SPECIAL PARK HOURS NOTICE
    
    	The Walt Disney World Resort will be celebrating its 20th
    Anniversary September 28th - October 1st, 1991. In order to host 
    the international and domestic press, national dignitaries and 
    travel industry delegates, we will be closing the theme parks
    early to the general public.
    
    	September 28, 1991 .... Disney-MGM Studio Theme Park will 
    					close at 3:00 p.m.
    	September 29, 1991 .... Epcot Center - World Showcase will
    				close at 5:00 p.m., Future World 
    				    will close at 8:00 p.m.
    	September 30, 1991 .... Magic Kingdom Park will close at 
    					6:00 p.m.
    
    	------------------------------------------------------
    
    	Mind you, this is a preliminary announcement. I had also heard
    talk that Pleasure Island would be closed to the public Friday, 
    September 27th for an special private party for the press. But that
    may have fallen by the wayside as the celebration plans were finalized.
    
    	I realize that these early closings may be an inconvience for WDW
    guests visiting the resort over that weekend, but it'll also mean beau-
    coup coverage for all us Disney dweebs who won't be in Florida at the 
    time. Life's full of little trade-offs.
    
    	No word yet on whether there'll be a TV special to commemorate
    WDW's 20th, though I imagine we'll see one on CBS ( Disney's current
    network of choice ) and/or the Disney Channel before the end of October.
    I don't know if all these new shows and events will help perk up
    attendance at the parks this fall ( Normally one of the slowest times
    of the year at WDW ), but -- what with two new parades at the Magic 
    Kingdom, a new day - time show at Epcot, and Lord knows what at the
    studio -- I imagine Christmas, February and April school vacation, as
    well as next summer, it's going to be body-to-body again at Walt's
    place.
    
    	Any other questions ?
                           

    
    
    	It's finally been confirmed that WDW's 20th anniversary celebration
    will run from October 1, 1991 through December 31, 1992. This 15 month
    long " Surprise Party at Walt Disney World " will be highlighted by the
    debut of two huge new outdoor spectaculars at the resort, the " Surprise
    in the Skies " day-time pageant at Epcot Center's World Showcase
    Lagoon as well the " Surprise Party " parade at the Magic Kingdom. Both
    of these will supposedly debut Tuesday, October 1st. The third big event
    -- the Electro-Magic Parade -- is not supposed to be unveiled 'til the
    summer of 1992. ( But -- what the hey -- this year's theme is " Surprise
    Party. " Maybe they'll end up unveiling for WDW guests after the first
    of the year. )
    
    	1993 will see a world-wide ( As in Disneyland, Walt Disney World,
    Tokyo Disneyland, and Euro-Disney ) celebration of Mickey Mouse's 65th
    birthday ( I wonder. Is there a mandatory retirement age for mice ? ).
    Beyond that ... It's anyone's guess.
    
    	Oh .. and if you're planning on visiting Disney - MGM during the 
    week of September 30th - October 1st, looks like you're in for quite
    a show during your studio tour. Both " Wheel of Fortune " and " Live 
    with Regis and Kathy Lee " will be producing their shows on the 
    property during that week.
     ( Which will be
    officially unveiled 
    . One of the highlights will be

    I was trying to carefully watch the latest ads on TV emphasizing the 
    20th Anniversary Celebration and the "monorail hotels". Has anyone
    managed to tape it? I think there is a glimpse of the giant balloons 
    as described in .14. Will try to tape it myself and run it slowly. 
    
    Linda  

    I saw one of the ads last night.  I did see a giant Goofy balloon in
    one of the shots.

    
    FYI - received my latest Disney TV guide last night.  It advertises
    a WDW, Past, Present, and Future special for the DIsney Channel
    premiering on October 20th at 7 PM eastern time.  There was a brief
    description of the 1 hour special and it mentioned that there would
    be some highlights of the 20th celebration and some glimpses of
    what is on the imagineers drawing board for the future.
    
    peter

    re: .23 & .24 - 20th anniversary ads
    
    I've seen the ads too.  I suspect the balloon footage comes from
    the Disneyland Party Gras (Party Gras? Pardy Gras? whatever) parade
    that was featured during its 35th anniversary celebration.  If I
    understand things correctly, much of this parade is moving to WDW
    for its 20th anniversary celebration and will debut as the "Surprise
    Party" parade (per note 247.22).  I think the balloons for "Surprise
    in the Skies" are very similar.  AKOCOA::HILL, is this correct?
    
    The ads also show some footage of a sky show, presumably representing
    "Surprise in the Skies".  I bet this is footage of the old EPCOT
    show "Skyleidoscope" or whatever it was called.

    
    RE : .26
    
    	Lowell is correct. The balloons-rolling-down-Main-Street footage
    that currently running in the " Stay at the Walt Disney World Monorail
    Hotels " TV ad was cribbed from last year's " Disneyland's 35th 
    Anniversary -- Party Gras Parade " ads. ( If you look carefully in 
    the background, you get a quick glimpse of the smaller buildings that
    line Anaheim's version of Main Street U.S.A. ) Likewise, the shots
    that supposedly show the " Surprise in the Skies " pageant at Epcot 
    Center are just footage of the old " Skyladescope " show that Disney
    pulled from its archives.
    	These ads will continue to run for another month or two, 'til 
    Disney gets footage it likes of the new shows its mounted for WDW's
    20th anniversary. Then -- come November -- look for a splashy new 
    advertising campaign featuring actual shots of the " Surprise Party "
    parade at Orlando's Magic Kingdom as well as the " Surprise in the
    Skies " pageant at Epcot Center.
    	However, it's my understanding that Disney has had all-new balloons
    created for the " Surprise Party " parade for WDW's Magic Kingdom. Why 
    for ? Because the scale of the two parks is significantly different. 
    Anaheim's buildings make much more use of forced perspective to pull
    off the illusion of height, which means a character balloon doesn't
    really have to really be huge to tower over guests lining that park's
    Main Street.
    	However -- in Orlando -- it's a different story. Though Disney's
    Florida park also makes use of forced perspective, it's to a much 
    lesser degree. As a result, to give guests the feeling that huge 
    character balloons are rolling down Main Street, Disney actually has
    to create huge character balloons.
    	So -- this time around -- the Disney character balloons ( Which 
    -- by the way -- are inflated using cold, compressed air. And -- if
    you want to actually see these inflatables come come to life -- try to
    watch the parade from the Main Street hub, just across from the fire
    station. To prevent un-necessary stress on the balloons, Disney doesn't 
    actually inflate the characters until just before they hit the street.
    If you keep your eyes open, you can literally see Mickey, Donald et
    al " blow up " behind the scenes. ) are supposed to 45 - 55 feet high,
    as opposed to the 35 - 40 foot high balloons used in Anaheim. Plus --
    seeing as the theming for WDW's 20th anniversary is " Surprise Party, "
    not " Party Gras " -- look for the characters to be wearing fairly
    generic party hats and stuff, not the South America / Mardi Gras
    style outfits they wore in last year's Anaheim parade.
    	Beyond that ... I'm told that all-new music has been written
    for Orlando's inflatables parade ( Which is a shame, given that I 
    really that the theme for Disneyland's " Party Gras " parade was 
    pretty good ) as are new costumes for the parade's dancers. But --
    for a really detailed report on the differences between the two 
    parades -- I guess you folks will have to wait 'til I get back
    from Orlando in October.
    
    				Later,
    		 			 jrh

    	For those of you who receive "The Larry King Show" in your area
    (the radio program, not the TV show seen on CNN), Larry will be
    broadcasting live from Walt Disney World on Monday, September 30th as
    part of the kickoff for the 20th Anniversary Celebration.  The show
    begins at 11:00 PM EDT and will feature an interview with Michael
    Eisner.
    

    Also, the three morning network shows are also featuring WDW early this
    week with a special emphasis by NBC. Bryant Gumbel interviewed Eisner
    live this morning. ALso interviewed were the Chief Imagineer (forgot
    his name) along with Dreamfinder and Figment.
    
    Mark McKewon (sp) the weatherman for CBS This Morning greeted everyone
    and said "...as we come to you this morning from Disneyland".
    
    Eisner mentioned expansion always going on and things like a Russian
    Pavillion, and new things at MGM planned for next year were at the top
    of his list but not above the April 12th opening of Euro-Disney.
    
    Park attendance was quoted as being down about 18% and also that Disney
    was #3 as far as the 1991 film industry successes went this year, they
    were #1 last year thanks to TLMM. It sounds like "The Rocketeer" is not
    enjoying a good Summer and Fall so far.
    
    There was very little mention of the Muppets. Investment analysts were
    also interviewed and mentioned that the next five years will be a
    challenge for Eisner and Co. The last five years were a success because
    of the turnaraound that was made when Mike E. came on board. The next 5
    years will be hard pressed to enjoy the same rate of success.
    
    Mike

    So far, these are the shows that I know will definitely be broadcasting 
    from WDW at least today, and some tomorrow:
    
                      Today Show                 Monday and Tuesday
                      Regis and Kathie Lee       Monday             
                      Noontime show in Boston     
                         on Channel 4            Monday
    
    Mike mentioned the other two morning shows, but we only have one
    recorder. Of course there are lots more. Anyone know for sure about
    other shows, so we can get the old VCR's programmed?
    
    
    Linda 

    Just for interest sake.  Ottawa has a couple of radio personalities
    broadcasting from Epcot this morning and tomorrow morning.  The
    personalities are Geoff and Jim and they are from CHEZ 106 in Ottawa. 
    It must be sponsored by Delta because I have been hearing a lot of
    Delta commercials over the last few days.
    
    Regards,
    JP

    
    
                   Disney World Celebtrates with Parage, fireworks
    
                    (Wednesday, October 2, Worcester Telegram & Gazette)
    
    
    Singing, dancing and pageantry brought sunshine to a rainy day
    yesterday as Mickey Mouse and others marked the 20th anniversary of
    Walt Disney World.
    
    Florida's Magic Kingdom, opened to the public on October 1, 1971, at a
    cost of $400 million, has developed into a $3 billion resort that
    includes three parks and 18 hotels on its 43 square miles.
    
    "Never underestimate the power of a dream" said Roy E. Disney, nephew
    of the late Walt Disney.
    
    Mickey Mouse joined Roy Disney and Michael Eisner, chairman of Walt
    Disney Co., at a ceremoney rededicating the park.
    
    Disney read from a plaque that marked opening day.
    
    ZIP-A-DEE-DOO-DAH DAY
    
    "May Walt Disney World bring joy and inspiration and new knowledge to
    all who come to this happy place - a Magic Kingdowm where the young at
    heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn together," he said.
    
    Giant red, white and blue balloons in the shape of Mickey Mouse ears
    lined Main Street as revelers ignored light rain and celebrated with a
    parade, fireworks and a flyover by jets.
    
    "It was a Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah Wonderful Day, all right, said park guest
    Gino Molinari of New York City.
    
    TRANSFORMED RURAL AREA
    
    The resort has transformed rural Orlando into a tourist mecca.  A
    recent study showed that almost 15 million visitors spent some $5
    billion in the region in 1990.
    
    Company publicists says 80 million people have made 350 million visits
    in the resort's two decades.  And it has brought other amusements to
    Central Florida - Sea World, Universal Studios and hundreds of other,
    smaller attractions.
    
    And, in the Disney style, there's a lot more to come:  a fourth park, a
    $2 billion futuristic community of 20,000 residents on 4,000 acres, a
    doubling of the Disney-MGM Studios, more golf courses, hotels and
    attractions.
    
    Yesterday, Eisner said Disney officials may not stop there.
    
    "At some point, I think we have the infrastructure and the desire for
    maybe even a fifth park" at Walt Disney World, Eisner said.  He
    provided no details.
    
    

    Don't forget.  8:00 tonight is the 20th Anniversary Show on TV.
    
    

    Sorry, its 9:00 tonight, channel 7.
    
    

RE last couple:  That's 9:00 PM Eastern time, of course, and Channel 7 in
Boston, MA, which is a CBS station.

							-- Nina

                       20 YEARS OF......MAGIC

                    (w/o permission from Sky magazine (Delta Airlines)


It seems hard to believe it's been 20 years since the Magic Kingdom theme
park began to capture the hearts and imaginations of people around the world
when Walt Disney World opened on October 1, 1971 at Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
Now this magic universe has expanded to include Epcot Center and the Disney-MGM
Studio Theme Park, as well as two water parks, Fort Wilderness Campground,
five golf courses, ten on-site hotels, and resorts, Disney Village Marketplace,
and the Pleasure Island nighttime entertainment center.

As the world's most popular man-made destination looks to the 21st Century, it's
offering guests a "Year of Surprises," with all-new parades, shows, and
entertainment spectaculars.  In fact, so much is going on that the gala
anniversary celebration, which began October 1, is slated to continue for
15 months.

Disney entertainment wizards have created what show producer Chase Senge
promises is "the biggest, best parade in 'World' history."

Towering nearly 40 feet above the Magic Kingdom's Main Street, U.S.A.,
is a cast of brilliantly colored, larger-than-life cold-air-balloons of
Disney characters touting festivals from regions of the world in "Surprise
Celebration."

The parade gets underway as Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket strike up a wacky
Mardi-Gras-style band heralding the grand marshal, Roger Rabbit, as the
supreme court jester.  Each day, a family is chosen to ride aboard the
multilevel balloon float stretching more than 30 feet high.  With glittery
daytime strobes and special-effect bursts of color and smoke, it sets the tone
for surprises throughout the parade.  On cue, everyone along the parade
route is encouraged to sing "Surprise" in unison, as each unexpected feature
pops into view.

A lively musical score of variations on a carnival theme highlights the
parade.  As the brightly colored costumes and floats change from Mardi Gras
greens, golds, and bright purples to island yellows, pinks, and blues, so
does the music - ranging from Dixieland jazz, Brazilian sambas, and Calypso
drumbeats to a Venetian fantasy fair featuring "King Mickey" and his court.

Favorite Disney characters appear in new dimensions.  Goofy pops on the scene
as the"Lost Tourist of Mardi-Gras," a 35-foot jack-in-the-box.  Minnie Mouse
and her Carmen Banana dancers lead a host of Rio-style revelers, including
Donald Duck and the Jungle Book characters in a Brazilian "explosion."  In
the grand finale, a 40-foot Mickey Mouse and his court - Snow White, Cinderella,
and Sleeping Beauty - ride aboard his signature float, which showers viewers
with prizes and surprises as the Royal Guard of rhinos, trumpeting elephants,
and drumming hippos bring up the rear.

Also premiering during the anniversary celebration, SpectroMagic, a moving
fantasy of lights, music, and color is the biggest nighttime attraction ever
staged in the Magic Kingdom.

Designed as a moving gallery for audiences along a darkened parade route,
the 25-minute production re-creates pixies and peacocks, sea horses and
flying horses, flower gardens and fountains - all whimsical creatures and 
environments typical of Disney's worlds of wonder and fantasy.

SpectroMagic borrows from the prismatic holographic industry, military lighting
developments, and electro-luminescent and fiber-optics technologies, and
tosses in clouds of underlit liquid-nitrogen smoke and good old-fashioned
twinkle lights.  The visual spectacle is choreographed to music produced
especially for the show and presented over speakers along the route.

Mickey Mouse leads the way - as a "confetti of light" sparkling in the air
around him heralds the production.  Dresser in an amber and purple grand
magician's cape, he plays the role of a light controller capable of altering
colors and effects.

A fanfare unit announces the final act - a 150-foot-long set showcasing
Cinderella's coach and carousel decked in vibrant colors.  At the front,
Practical Pig dips his paint brush, gives a swish, and the entire scene
turn's a scintillating, brilliant white.  Jiminy Cricket, perched at the
back, sprinkles light while Practical Pig plunges his brush into color and
restores the array of brilliant hues to coach, carousel, and everything else
in the scene.

Throughout the production, miniature lights chase in wild patterns, moving
in concert with sound effects and music.  Goofy's xylophone keys dance with
light.  Mickey's cape transforms in a 24-step sweep of color from bottom to top.

The fanciful spectacle replaces the Main Street Electrical Parade, which
premiered in 1977 with more than 500,000 twinkle lights.  One of the park's
most popular productions, it will light up the evenings for a new Magic Kingdom
audience when the Euro Disney park opens next April in France.

At Epcot Center, the vibrant new "Surprise in the Skies" anniversary
celebration focuses on a daytime aerial spectacular.  Fireworks in brilliant
reds, blues, and greens announce the arrival of six boats entering World
Showcase Lagoon, slowly circling to leave bursts of color on the water. 
Hang Gliders with colorful streamers are released from the boats, and as they
drift to earth, paraplanes circle in the air.  As they near World Showcase
Lagoon, the pilots materialize as Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Chip, Dale,
Pooh, and Tigger.

After their exit, familiar patriotic tunes introduce a paraplane piloted
by Mickey Mouse and trailing red, white and blue starts above the American
Adventure pavilion.  Mickey circles the lagoon, joined by the other paraplanes
all with a wake of red, white and blue stars.

As they circle, a 55-foot-high Mickey Mouse cold-air balloon rises in front
of the pavilion, fireworks explode from the center of the lagoon, and other
Disney character balloons rise in front of the 11 World Showcase pavilions.
Fireworks fill the skies, and boats trailing stunt kites re-enter the lagoon
for a final explosion of color.

At the Disney-MGM Studio Theme Park, Mickey Mouse is master of ceremonies for
an anniversary stage spectacular featuring movie magic and illusions.  In
the spirit of grand Hollywood variety specials, magicians share billing with
the maestro as lively music, songs, and dance numbers are presented between
magic acts.  Featured dancers are the Disney Girls.

The Studios also recently premiered the new Jim Henson's Muppet*Vision
3D attraction in a new backlot 584-seat Muppet Theater.  Audiences slip on
special viewing glasses to be put into the midst of the action - or to bring
the action off the screen into the audience.  Henson's puppets and special
effects combine with Disney's famous Audio-Animatronics technology, as
"live" Muppet interact with a 3D films showcasing Muppet antics.

Before the theater "explodes" in a grand finale, the audience is treated to
show-stopping effects that include squirting boutonnieres, bubble showers,
high winds, musket fire, cannon blasts, and a patriotic fiber-optics
fireworks "Salute to All Nations But Mostly America".

Anniversary celebrants will be greeted by an array of other new additions 
throughout Walt Disney World. Set on a Disney-MGM Studio soundstage, the
new 250-seat Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant re-creates a 1950's drive-in
theater as if it were dropped in the middle of the Hollywood Hills.  Along
with drive-in food, it features favorite science-fiction and monster flicks.

Guests enter the theater through the soundstage lobby area and are seated in
re-creations of flashy, chrome-gilded vintage cars.  Fiber-optic stars
twinkle overhead in the night sky as the show begins and carhops decked out
in campy versions of '50s drive-in costumes arrive to take orders.

Also at the Disney-MGM Studios, the Mickey Mouse Club Mouseketeers returned
this summer for another season of shooting for The Disney Channel on Sound-
stage One.

Several new Disney hotels have also recently come on the scene.  Opened last
fall were the 635-room Disney's Yacht Club Resort and 580-room Disney's
Beach Club Resort.  With designs reflecting turn-of-the-century Martha's
Vineyard and Nantucket summer homes, they overlook Crescent Lake and Storm-
along Bay, a water recreation area.  The Yacht Club Resort includes a 73,000
square-foot convention center.

These openings followed the June 1990 debut of the 1,509 room Walt Disney
World Dolphin and the January 1990 opening of the 758-room Walt Disney Swan.
This complex includes 236,000 square feet of meeting and conference space.

Disney's newest theme resort, the 1,008 room Port Orleans, opened last June.
With ornate row-house buildings reminiscent of New Orleans' French Quarter,
Port Orleans represents the first phase of a huge resort project that re-creates
a trio of distinctive old south themes on 325 acres northeast of Epcot Center
near the Lake Buena Vista golf Course.  When completed in 1992, the companion
Dixie Landings Resort will feature 2,048 accommodations recalling stately
plantation-style mansions and rustic backwoods bayou dwellings.

Walt Disney World has also recently added conference centers at two of its
other properties.  The turn-of-the-century Grand Floridian Beach Resort has
40,000 square feet of meeting space and the landmark Contemporary Resort has
expanded its capacity to include over 90,000 square feet of conference
and prefunction space, which includes a 44,300 square-foot ballroom, Florida's
second largest.

Beginning in January, guests will be able to play two new Walt Disney World
golf courses, in addition to the three 18-hole golf courses and one nine-hole
course already in play.  The Eagle Pines course designed by Pete Dye, and the
Tom Fazio designed Osprey Ridge Course are just east of Ft. Wilderness
Campground Resort and are adjacent to the new Bonnet Lakes Golf Club.

Long-range plans for the 30,000 acre Disney site call for other hotels,
attractions, and an entire city called "Celebration," to house a population
of 20,000 residents.

And, come the 21st Century, surely more "happenings" will be in store for the
30th Anniversary.....on October 1, 2001.

    I enjoyed the second-half of that Anniversary Show. Eisner running
    around for 30-minutes showcasing his Touchstone personnel was something
    I could have done without.
    
    I thoroughly enjoyed "The Dream is Alive" song and how they tried to
    cover all aspects of The World during the song.
    
    The spot with Angela Lansbury and clip from "Beauty..." was good.
    
    I'm not a fan of "Mad about the Mouse" so Billy Joel's rendition of
    "When..." wasn't appreciated by this Disney Traditionalist. I'm not a
    Garth Brooks fan either.
    
    Robin Williams would have been my choice to host the show. 
    
    Mike

    re: anniversary show
    
    To me, the show seemed pretty content-free.  But there were a couple of
    highlights.  Number one was the clip/song from "Beauty and the Beast"
    (if this doesn't get me to opening night, I don't know what will).  And
    number two was that Eisner has some pretty great Mickey ties.  and
    sorry, Mike, but I liked Billy joel's rendition of "When You Wish Upon
    a Star", but then, I'm also a big Billy Joel fan...
    
    It would have been nice if they spent some time running around the
    parks and showing off the new additions and old standards.  But they
    didn't.
    
    - Skip

    
     I really didn't think much of this show.  In fact after it was over I
    sat back and wondered what the purpose of the show was.  I always
    figured that these things were designed to get people to want to go
    to the park.  If this was setup to make you want to go, it sure didn't
    work for me.  Maybe I'm wrong but I don't see the benefit of a show
    like this one.
    
                                 -Rob
    

    Rob,
    
    This show served two purposes. First off Eisner used it to hype some
    Disney stuff such as the new Carol Burnett show, "Beauty and the
    Beast", "Father of the Bride", and others.
    
    It also was used to hype The World and a)draw new visitors and b)bring
    back repeat business.
    
    I've heard comments from those who have never gone that there didn't
    seem to be enough stuff shown for them to want to go.
    
    This sort of thing also holds for the Xmas and Easter programs coming
    from WDW. Usually there is a new attraction here and there for these 
    shows. I'm thinking that the hype for the Xmas show will be the new
    Sci-Fi Drive-In Theater Restaurant in MGM, along with the Little
    Mermaid Theater, a report on the progress of Splash Mountain, and I
    would bet that the Spectro-Magic Parade, along with Surprise in the
    Skies, will also be featured.
    
    Mike

    My overall impression was also that they could have done with out
    Eisner and shown more clips of how that park has changed over the
    years.  I was expecting a more nostalgic show.  Afterall it was their
    20th anniversary they were celebrating.  I agree also that Robin Williams
    would have made a better host.
    
    

    
     Mike,
    
          Thanks for the reply.  I really didn't think too much about the 
       hype for the other Disney productions, good point.  I do feel as 
       you mentioned, that the show did not contain enough of WDW to make 
       anyone want to grab the phone for CRO.  I thought we would see much
       more of the new hotels, MGM attractions and the like, perhaps
       things like this are in the works.
    
                                    -Rob
    

    I have to agree with Rob.  I came away from the show wondering why they
    bothered.  I was very disappointed that they didn't show more of the
    World, since that's what they were supposed to be celebrating.  It
    seemed liked all they did was advertise movies and stars from the
    movies.  I guess I just expected alot more.
    
    
    
    

    This disappointment also occurred in the Disney Channel's "Walt Disney
    World" Past, Present, and Future" program shown earlier this month and
    mentioned in another note.
    
    When you think of all that could be put into a show on WDW you realize
    that it would probably take about 2 hours on non-commercial air time.
    
    Each theme park would take about 30 minutes, the water parks another 10
    or 15 minutes apiece. Pleasure Island and the Village Marketplace at
    least 15 minutes each. You could spend 5 minutes at each resort which
    could run you another 30 minutes. What about Discovery Island...5
    minutes? Fort Wilderness is good for at least 10 minutes. You'd also
    have to talk about the transportation system also. It sounds more like
    3 hours....without commercials.
    
    Even when you watch the piped in resort channel when you stay on
    property not all the attractions are prominently hyped. Instead you get
    a general overview of everything with a bit more emphasis on the "new"
    stuff.
    
    Mike
    

    As to the CBS special, I think Baby Sinclair hit the nail
    square on the head -- "Shameless Plug".  Unfortunately they
    were shamelessly plugging Disney affiliates instead of WDW.
    The only decent part was the SpectroMagic footage they
    showed while the credits were rolling.

    Ruth,
    
    I think Eisner was poking fun at himself with that "Shamless Plug"
    statement from Baby Sinclair.
    
    Mike

    Someday a trip report will come, but for those of you for whom this is
    not too late (or you spontaneous types), it may be useful...
    
    "We have a special offer that we would like to let you know about in
    celebration of our 20th Birthday that occurred on October 1, 1991. The
    offer, which we call our "Welcome Back Special", allows the following:
    
    	Anytime from December 1, 1991 trhough February 13, 1992 (*some
    dates are excluded [12/22-31]) you can receive a 50% discount in our
    Wilderness homes and a 35% discount off our campsites.
    
    We hope that you can take us up on this great offer by calling our
    Central Reservations offices at (407) W-DISNEY and asking for the
    "Welcome Back Special". We are looking forward to you next visit.
    
    ...
    
    I don't know if this is available only to recent visitors or not. The
    letter is a generic letter (we are not addressed, it just says "Howdy
    Folks!")
    
    Hope it is of use to someone.
    
    Tim
    
    p.s. did you know that FW has the highest return visitation percentage
    of all WDW resorts (52%)? 

    Did anyone  catch  the 20th anniversary special last night on TV38 from
    5:30-6:30?
    
    I was checking  the  channels  around  6:25 and noticed the tail end of
    this one, it appeared to be a different special from that on the Disney
    Channel and what was on  ABC.    It  was  hosted by someone I never saw
    before, and apparently had Steve Birnbaum on it as well.  I was talking
    to someone here in Salem who caught  the  last  half  hour or so and he
    thought it was better that the DC and ABC special.
    
    Claude

    Yeah, I taped most of it.. I missed the first 15 minutes of it...
    
    It was one of the best I have seen yet...
    
    Rick

    I called channel 38 and talked to the program director. She said that
    38 received the WDW tape too late for the TV guides. She is planning to
    show it again real soon. I'm going to call her this friday to find
    out when and then I'll post the time and day in here..
    
    Rick

    Has anyone (besides me) started mapping out the best places to watch
    the live shows from in order to be "Surprised" by Roger?  
    	At Mickey's Starland, they picked a kid from the front row, just at
    		the bottom of  the (stage) right steps.  
    	At Diamond Horsehoe, they picked someone sitting at the second row
    		of tables just below the right-hand steps (this time I was
    		in the front row).  
    	And at the show in front of the castle, they picked people who 
    		were standing on the right-hand side, near the ropes.
    
    I'd like to have a better idea of where to be when I go back next
    summer, but if you are going, you may want to give those places a shot.
    
    tom

    What exactly does it mean to be "surprised" by Roger??  What happens??
    
    - Skip

    I'm not too sure if I should give too much of this away, so I'll hide
    the spoiler behind a form feed (something I probably should have done
    on yesterday's entry).
    
    
    
    On many of the live shows, Roger interrupts the show hollering
    "Surprise", sings a "Surprise" theme song, and is involved with some
    little stunt with someone (or a couple of someones) from the audience.
    As a reward for appearing in the show, the audience member gets a
    special T-shirt (that says "I was surprised at WDW"), and a Roger
    Rabbit hat (A baseball cap with an 8" Roger doll on its brim).
    
    The hat can be bought in the parks, but the shirt must be given to you,
    which is why I am planning on staking out some of the places.
    
    tom

    We saw a retirement-age guy in one of the gift shops wearing a Roger hat. 
    He was rather proud of the fact that Roger gave it to him personally...
    
    Ed