Press Release - Walt Disney World Resort Promises an Interactive Journey Into TVs Popular Game Show

Mar 22, 2001 in "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire-Play It!"

Posted: Thursday March 22, 2001 by WDWMAGIC Staff
A new live-show attraction based on the hit ABC-TV game show “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” at Walt Disney World Resort is A) Interactive, B) Intense, C) Family-friendly fun, or D) Opening April 7 at the Disney-MGM Studios?

If all of the above is your final answer, you are ready for the hot seat at “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire - Play It!”

Walt Disney World Resort has gone to exacting detail to recreate the energy and excitement of “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire,” including the construction of a replica of the famous high-tech set, complete with its dramatic lighting and hot seat. Disney-MGM Studios guests, however, will play for points, not dollars, winning unique prizes along the way. Prizes range from collectible pins and hats to a grand-prize trip to New York City to view a taping of the ABC-TV game show.

“We’re thrilled to combine one of America’s top television shows with the world’s most popular studio theme park,” said Al Weiss, president of Walt Disney World Co. “At Disney-MGM Studios guests will find out for themselves what it’s like to sit in the hot seat.”

The live show will run continuously throughout the day in a 600-seat studio located in Soundstages 2 and 3 at the Disney-MGM Studios.

Like the television show, the fastest finger determines the first contestant to sit in the coveted hot seat. All audience members play along by using individual keypads as their scores are tallied throughout the session. They also get involved when players use the “ask the audience” lifeline. Other guests could be called upon for help with the “phone a friend” lifeline.

“The company that produces ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire’ worked hand-in-hand with Walt Disney Entertainment to make sure that the ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire - Play It!’ attraction at the Disney-MGM Studios is just as gripping, entertaining and exciting as the real thing,” said television executive producer Michael Davies.

Disney-MGM Studios immerses guests in the glamour of show biz 365 days a year with thrilling attractions, incredible Broadway-style shows, world-class atmosphere entertainment and interactive film, television, radio and animation production facilities. The theme park is part of the 30,500-acre Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Fla.

Premiering as a regular ABC series in January 2000, “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” soared in popularity to become the most watched television series of the 1999-2000 season. Proving its broad viewer appeal, “Millionaire” also finished the season as a Top 10 television program among adults 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54, as well as among teens and kids. “Millionaire” is truly appointment television, regularly building on its lead-in audience and consistently delivering on each of the nights it airs.

For more information, call 407/824-4321 or visit www.disneyworld.com.

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