Walt Disney World History
The following timeline of Walt Disney World was produced by the Walt Disney World News department, and is Copyright 2009 The Walt Disney Company.
Walt Disney World History
“WALT DISNEY WORLD is a tribute to the philosophy and life of Walter Elias Disney and to the talents, the dedication and the loyalty of the entire Disney organization that made Walt Disney's dream come true. May Walt Disney World bring Joy and Inspiration and New Knowledge to all who come to this happy place...a Magic Kingdom where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn -- together."
Plaque dedicated October 25, 1971, by Roy O. Disney, rededicated Oct. 1, 1996, by Roy E. Disney
As it moves through the new millennium, Walt Disney World Resort continues to grow in size and scope far greater than anyone could have imagined in 1971 when the new “World” opened with just one park -- Magic Kingdom -- and two resort hotels.
Today’s Vacation Kingdom encompasses four major Disney theme parks, two water parks, six golf courses and the Downtown Disney dining/shopping/entertainment complex. Total visitation in the four Disney theme parks is more than 700 million guests. There are 21 individual Disney resorts, plus a totally different kind of new-age community called Celebration, also an outgrowth of Walt Disney’s original Florida dream.
The Walt Disney World Resort that burst on the scene in the 1970s rapidly became the world’s best-known destination vacation resort with guests coming from all parts of the world. After opening, construction was concentrated on new attractions and facilities inside Magic Kingdom.
By 1982, Walt Disney World Resort had doubled its investment with the addition of Epcot, Walt Disney World Village and six resorts. Attendance had passed 100 million visitors.
During the '80s it also added Disney-MGM Studios, its first luxury resort (Disney’s Grand Floridian Beach Resort), first moderate hotel (Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort) plus three other hotels, Pleasure Island, Typhoon Lagoon water park and greatly expanded live entertainment, recreation and at least 30 major Disney park adventures.
The Disney Decade
It was not until the decade of the '90s, however, that Disney growth became truly phenomenal. In January 1990, Disney Chairman Michael D. Eisner unveiled an ambitious ten-year building plan. He called it The Disney Decade. By mid-decade attendance passed 500 million guests. Investment increased to five times its 1980 total.
Among major accomplishments of The Disney Decade:
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom -- a whole new species of theme park with 13 animal-themed adventures opened in 1998. A greatly expanded Asia section opened in 1999.
• In other parks, '90s attractions included: at Epcot - Innoventions, “Honey, I Shrunk the Audience,” high-speed Test Track and the highly creative Journey Into Your Imagination; at Magic Kingdom - Splash Mountain, “Legend of the Lion King,” The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and New Tomorrowland; at Disney-MGM Studios - Star Tours, “Voyage of the Little Mermaid,” “Jim Henson’s Muppet*Vision 3-D,” “Disney’s Doug Live!”, “Bear in the Big Blue House,” “Sounds Dangerous Starring Drew Carey,” “Fantasmic!”, Sunset Boulevard with The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith.
Also completed in the 1990s:
• Ten outstanding resorts in a variety of themes and price ranges plus two new golf courses.
• Disney Vacation Club in three locationswith exceptional opportunities for owning a piece of the magic.
• One additional water adventure park, Blizzard Beach.
• Two miniature golf courses, Fantasia and Winter Summerland.
• Major nighttime entertainment, dining and shopping in three areas of the new Downtown Disney, including DisneyQuest and Cirque du Soleil®.
• Disney’s Wide World of Sports, a complex of playing fields, baseball stadium and fieldhouse.
• Disney Institute, a whole new kind of enrichment vacation for individuals and groups.
• The City of Celebration with innovation in homes, business environment and education.
• Disney Cruise Line, with two ships, the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder, sailing from Port Canaveral, Fla.
Along with this came many parades, musical events, nighttime spectaculars and sports events, and special entertainment. There still remains more than 20,000 acres of undeveloped land and an endless imagination which is the legacy of Walt Disney.
The new century began with a yearlong Millennium Celebration including the opening of the “Tapestry of Nations” street festival and Millennium Villageat Epcot, and a new Disney Vacation Club resort, The Villas at Wilderness Lodge. Construction began on several new additions: “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire-Play It!” (Disney-MGM Studios); Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge; Disney’s Beach Club Villas; Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama! (Disney’s Animal Kingdom), Mission: SPACE (Epcot); Disney’s Pop Century Resort.
The 100 Years of Magic celebration in 2001 marked the 100th anniversary of Walt Disney’s birth with a giant party, featuring new parades, special decorations and entertainment throughout the Vacation Kingdom, and “Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream” at Disney-MGM Studios, a special showcase of memorabilia paying tribute to the life and legacy of Walt Disney. Visual focus of the celebration was a gigantic Sorcerer Mickey Hat at Disney-MGM Studios, which became the park’s new icon. New parades: at Disney-MGM Studios, “Disney Stars and Motor Cars” with favorite characters from Disney classics of the 20s to the 90s; at Magic Kingdom, “Share a Dream Come True” showcasing favorite Disney scenes within giant-sized snow globes; at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, “Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle” with Disney favorites cavorting in a colorful Safari party; and at Epcot, “Tapestry of Dreams,” apageant of colorful oversized puppets prancing and dancing high above the parade route.
Walt Disney’s Dream For a New “World” in Florida
Walt Disney World Resort was first envisioned by Walt Disney in the early 1960s to give millions of residents in the Eastern United States an opportunity to enjoy unique entertainment concepts which had become world-renowned at California’s Disneyland.
By 1963 the Disney planning team at WED Enterprises (now Walt Disney Imagineering) had selected Florida because its weather permitted year-round operation necessary to Disneyland-style entertainment and because the state already ranked first in tourism among all states. The search narrowed to the Orlando area because of available land, location at the crossroads of major traffic arteries and dynamic growth.
Walt Disney wanted a much larger area than Disneyland’s 450 acres to develop a total resort, free of the distracting and conflicting elements which had grown up around Disneyland during its first decade.
As the “World” concept grew from “family entertainment park” to “complete destination-vacation resort” and ultimately to the concept of EPCOT -- Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow -- Walt believed he could apply the unique Disney approach to planning for all areas of family life.
Land acquisition began in 1964. Nearly 28,000 acres were purchased from more than 100 property owners at a total cost of nearly $5.5 million. Another 2,000 acres have been added since.
The first public announcement came Nov. 16, 1965, in an Orlando press conference with Walt and brother Roy O. Disney, Florida Gov. Hayden Burns and other dignitaries. Walt described his dreams of building first a unique entertainment and vacation center and eventually a way of life found nowhere else in the world.
Until his death in December 1966, Walt developed these ideas, directed planning of unique environmental concepts and laid basic philosophies and plans for the new complex.
Site preparation, horticultural experiments and development of a 45-mile network of water-control channels began in 1967. Florida passed legislation creating a utilities district and two cities to accommodate the ambitious plans. Construction began in April 1969 when the company’s three top executives, President Roy O. Disney, Donn B. Tatum and E. Cardon Walker, set the opening for Oct. 1, 1971.
Some 9,000 workers were involved in the two-year construction effort producing a complete vacation environment around lakes, forests and meadows.
They built a 200-acre lake called Seven Seas Lagoon, developed a rolling landscape for two championship 18-hole golf courses, built two of the world’s most unusual hotels and developed six lands of the Magic Kingdom plus a network of land and water transportation to connect the various areas.
During the final 18 months before opening, one million guests visited the Walt Disney World Preview Center where models, drawings and motion pictures explained details of the vast development. Total cost of the project by opening was $400 million.
Year by Year, here is the Walt Disney World Story
1971
THE GRAND OPENING
More than 100,000 employees and local guests visited Magic Kingdom before a month-long series of events beginning Oct. 1. Mickey Mouse led the official first visitors, William Windsor and his family, into Magic Kingdom.
Climax of the grand opening was Oct. 23-25, with a gala concert by the 60-nation World Symphony Orchestra under direction of Maestro Arthur Fiedler, a spectacular luau at Polynesian Village Resort, dedication of the Contemporary Resort by Bob Hope, and an opening parade with a 1,076-piece marching band directed by “Music Man” Meredith Willson. Taking part in the televised opening festivities were Julie Andrews, Glen Campbell, Buddy Hackett, Jonathan Winters and a guest list of the “who’s who” of American entertainment, business, government and industry.
OTHER OPENINGS
In November, Fort Wilderness Campground and Tri-Circle D Ranch.
In December, Circle-Vision 360’s “America the Beautiful” and “Flight to the Moon.”
HIGHLIGHTS
By Thanksgiving, Walt Disney World Resort was the most-talked-about attraction in the Western world.
On Nov. 26 and again on Dec. 27 and 28, parking reached capacity and entry was restricted for several hours.
Attendance: single day 69,458 on Dec. 29.
ANNUAL EVENTS
First Walt Disney World PGA Invitational won by Jack Nicklaus, 14-under-par 274.
First “Christmas Parade” and Candlelight Processional, Rock Hudson narrator.
First New Year’s Eve fireworks, balloons and musical salute at Cinderella Castle.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Patti Page and Bob Crosby starred in Contemporary Hotel New Year’s Party.
CELEBRATED GUESTS
David Brinkley, Helen Hayes, Astronaut Eugene Cernan, Mickey Rooney, Johnny Bench.
1972
OPENINGS
In June, “If You Had Wings” (Eastern Airlines) and Columbia Harbour House restaurant.
Numerous dining and shopping facilities opened during the spring.
In December, first phase, Vacation Villas, 133 units.
Hotel Plaza’s Dutch Inn, Hotel Royal Plaza, Howard Johnson’s, TraveLodge.
HIGHLIGHTS
In November, Fort Wilderness added 250 new campsites.
Six more monorail trains and two new ferry boats added.
Attendance: 5 million by April, 10 million by August, 10,712,991 for first full year; single day: 71,328 on Dec. 27.
ANNUAL EVENTS
First “Easter Parade,” capacity attendance.
First two all-night Grad Nite parties, 93 high schools from Florida, Illinois and Wisconsin.
Jack Nicklaus won Walt Disney World Golf Championship, 21-under-par 267. Pro-Am guests: actors Jimmy Stewart and James Garner, and singer Glen Campbell.
Sherry Swets named 1973 ambassador.
Cary Grant narrated Christmas Candlelight Processional.
SPECIAL EVENTS
In April, newscaster Lowell Thomas 80th birthday party with distinguished guests including Gen. Jimmy Doolittle, Norman Vincent Peale.
Top of the World supper club starred Mel Torme, Kay Starr, John Gary and Jimmie Rodgers.
CELEBRATED GUESTS
Senators Hubert Humphrey, Edmund Muskie and Henry Jackson; Sargent Shriver; Maine Gov. Kenneth Curtis; West German Chancellor Willy Brandt; space pioneer Werner Von Braun; Princess Muna of Jordan; Soviet trade minister N.S. Patolicher; Gov. Linwood Holton.
1973
OPENINGS
Golf Resort Hotel (now Shades of Green).
In December, “The Walt Disney Story,” Swan Boats, Tom Sawyer Island, Richard F. Irvine Steamboat, Plaza Pavilion, Fort Wilderness Steam Trains, Pirates of the Caribbean.
HIGHLIGHTS
Fort Wilderness welcomed its one-millionth camper.
Capital investment passed $500 million.
Attendance: 11,577,146 guests for the year; single day: 73,168 on April 17.
ANNUAL EVENTS
Jack Nicklaus “three-peated” as Walt Disney World Golf Classic champion.
Rock Hudson narrated Candlelight Processional.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Oct. 21, “Robin Hood,” Disney’s new animated film, premiered with inauguration of Fort Wilderness railroad service.
First private parties: Florida Square Dancers and Kennedy Space Center employees.
50th anniversary of Walt Disney Productions, a celebration and parade.
Christi Lee Zeisler named 1974 ambassador.
“Tom Sawyer” and “Becky Thatcher” from Hannibal, Mo., presided at Tom Sawyer Island opening.
CELEBRATED GUESTS
President Richard Nixon made famous “I am not a crook” speech to Associated Press Managing Editors at Contemporary Resort. Others: President Joseph Mobutu of Zaire; Governors Jimmy Carter of Georgia, George Wallace of Alabama and Dale Bumpers of Arkansas; heavyweight boxer Joe Frazier; actress Jill
St. John; Britain’s Des O’Conner; Howard Cosell; Billie Jean King.
1974
OPENINGS
Magic Carpet 'Round the World, Fort Wilderness Pioneer Hall “Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue,” Discovery Island in Bay Lake, StarJets in Tomorrowland.
HIGHLIGHTS
Work progressed on Space Mountain.
Capital investment reached $600 million.
Attendance: 10,834,000, three-year total 33 million; single day: 74,597 on Dec. 27.
ANNUAL EVENTS
First Walt Disney World Golf Classic/National Team Championship won by B.R. (Mac) McClendon & Hubert Green , 33-under-par 254.
Suzy O’Hara named 1975 ambassador.
Rock Hudson narrated Candlelight Processional.
SPECIAL EVENTS
40th birthday of Donald Duck opens yearlong run.
First Armed Forces Salute.
DISTINGUISHED GUESTS
Archbishop Makarios of Cyprus; former Texas Gov. John Connally; Minnesota Gov. Wendell Anderson; Truman Capote; Ginger Rogers; Helen Hayes; Harry Reasoner; Prince Turki of Saudi Arabia; John Lennon.
1975
OPENINGS
In January, Space Mountain (RCA), StarJets and the GE Carousel of Progress, WEDway PeopleMover in Tomorrowland before 2,000 dignitaries, nationally televised show starred Luci Arnaz.
In March, Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village(later Downtown Disney Marketplace), 29 shops and four restaurants.
In April, 60 Tree House Villas.
In June, Hall of Presidents, Davy Crockett Canoes, “America the Beautiful” in Circle-Vision 360,first daily performances of “America on Parade,” with 50 floats and 150 characters celebrating U.S. Bicentennial.
Mission to Mars, update of Flight to the Moon, premiered in Tomorrowland.
HIGHLIGHTS
Sixth car added to five monorail trains.
Total investment $650 million.
Preliminary plans for Epcot Center announced.
Attendance: 12,515,000 for the year; single day: 82,404 on Dec. 31.
ANNUAL EVENTS
Jim Colbert & Dean Refram won the second Golf Classic/National Team Championship, 36-under-par 252.
Mary Ann Carter named 1976 ambassador.
Film star Dean Jones narrated Candlelight Processional.
SPECIAL EVENTS
First Senior American Days were held.
CELEBRATED GUESTS
U.S. and Soviet crewmen of the Apollo-Soyuz Mission; King Hussein of Jordan; Susan Ford; the family of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat; Michael Landon; Secretary of State Henry Kissinger; governors of 15 southern states; 33 foreign diplomats came for briefings about Epcot Center.
1976
HIGHLIGHTS
In March, 50-millionth visitor, Susan Brummer, 13, of Virginia, honored.
In June, President Ford’s daughter, Susan, opened River Country water park in Fort Wilderness.
Coconino Cove opened in Contemporary Resort.
Attendance record for one year 13,106,777.
ANNUAL EVENTS
Debby Bennett named 1977 ambassador.
Rookies Bill Kratzert & Woody Blackburn won the third Golf Classic/National Team Championship at
28-under-par.
Actor Joseph Campanella narrated Christmas Candlelight Processional.
Lynn Anderson and Roger Williams starred in New Year’s Eve parties.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Magic Kingdom special shows starred Staple (Valentine’s Day); Jose Feliciano (Easter); Natalie Cole for three Grad Nites; K.C. and the Sunshine Band for Mad Hatter’s Ball in September.
Nation’s 200th Independence Day was celebrated with biggest ever fireworks, guest bands.
“America on Parade” with 1,000-piece band for September finale.
DISTINGUISHED GUESTS
Many international diplomats and industrial leaders visited the briefings about the Epcot Center plans for World Showcase and Future World.
1977
OPENINGS
In January, Magic Kingdom Baby Care Center (presented by Gerber).
In May, Empress Lilly Riverboat restaurant dedicated by Mrs. Walt Disney.
In June, Fairway Villas, Village Verandah Restaurant, “Main Street Electrical Parade,” “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks.
HIGHLIGHTS
Attendance: 13,057,154 for the year; single day: 82,938, on Dec. 28.
ANNUAL EVENTS
Grier Jones & Gibby Gilbert won Golf Classic/National Team Championship at 35-under-par.
Rock Hudson narrated Candlelight Processional.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Magic Kingdom eventsstarred Steve Allen and Jayne Meadows New Year’s Eve; Sylvers for the Valentine Party; Starland Vocal Band for the Mad Hatter’s Ball; Starbuck for May Grad Nites; Mary MacGregor, Larry Gatlin and Roy Clark at other entertainment events.
CELEBRATED GUESTS
King Hussein of Jordan; Prime Minister Robert D. Muldoon of New Zealand; President Alfredo Stroessner of Paraguay; Mrs. Anwar Sadat of Egypt; First Lady of Mexico Senora Carmen Lopez-Portillo; Sen. George McGovern, South Dakota; Bob Hope.
1978
OPENINGS
In January, prototype Reedy Creek Solar Office Building opened by Gov. Reuben Askew.
In July, Sun Bank Building at Lake Buena Vista.
64 energy-saving Fairway Villas built at Lake Buena Vista golf course.
HIGHLIGHTS
Polynesian Village Resort added 144 new guestrooms, restaurant and pool.
On June 15, Millard Jones, 86, of Lakeland, made 500th visit.
Vista Florida Telephone System installed the nation’s first commercial fiber-optic phone cable.
In October, President Jimmy Carter addressed the opening session of the International Chamber of Commerce Global Congress.
E. Cardon Walker, president, Walt Disney Productions, revealed details and set opening date in 1982 for Epcot Center.
On Nov. 18, Mickey Mouse began his yearlong 50th birthday celebration and parade.
Attendance: 14.01 million for the year; single-day: 85,123 on March 28.
ANNUAL EVENTS
More than 66,000 attended four all-night parties for Grad Nites.
Joe Jiminez won the PGA Senior golf tournament.
In February, Mike Douglas NFL Golf Tournament won by Dick Anderson of the Miami Dolphins.
Wayne Levi & Bob Mann won the Golf Classic/National Team Championship.
Pam Carpenter was named Walt Disney World ambassador.
Actor Ross Martin narrated Candlelight Processional.
Shields and Yarnell, Avery Schreiber, Phyllis Diller, Andrea McArdle, Danielle Spencer and Pablo Cruise taped “Christmas at Walt Disney World” television special for “Wonderful World of Disney.”
SPECIAL EVENTS
Entertainment headliners England Dan and John Ford Coley for Valentine’s Day, Crystal Gayle at Easter, Chuck Berry and the Coasters in November, Kristy and Jimmy McNichol for Mickey Mouse Birthday.
CELEBRATED GUESTS
Empress Shahbanou and Prince Reza Ciro Pahlavi of Iran; United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young; Muhammad Ali; Amy Carter; John Denver; Donny Osmond.
1979
HIGHLIGHTS
In January, construction began on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Lake Buena Vista Conference Center and 136 Club Lake Villas.
Prototype water-hyacinth waste-water treatment system began operations.
Oct. 1, Epcot Center groundbreaking ceremonies.
Oct. 22, Mickey Mouse welcomed the Magic Kingdom’s 100-millionth visitor, 8-year-old Kurt Miller from Kingsville, Md.
Singer Perry Como narrated Candlelight Processional.
ANNUAL EVENTS
More than 70,000 high school seniors attended four Grad Nites.
Ben Crenshaw & George Burns won the Golf Classic/National Team Championship.
Monica Hallecks named Walt Disney World 1980 ambassador.
SPECIAL EVENTS
First World Series of Entertainment included Peaches and Herb, Sister Sledge, Pure Prairie League, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Brass Construction, the Sylvers, Maureen McGovern, Rose Royce.
Thanksgiving featured Dick Clark with Bo Diddley, the Shirelles, Joey Dee and the Starliters.
Special Christmas entertainment by Willie Aames and Paradise.
CELEBRATED GUESTS
Former President Gerald Ford; Sen. George McGovern, South Dakota; the Rev. Ralph Abernathy; boxer Sugar Ray Leonard; the Russian Olympic swim team; Marie Osmond; Loni Anderson; Gary Sandy; Liv Ullman; Sophia Loren; Amy Carter.
1980
OPENINGS
In September, Lake Buena Vista Conference Center and 136 Club Lake Villas.
In October, six-hole PGA Tour Wee Links golf course.
Nov. 15, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad opening ceremonies starred John Davidson.
HIGHLIGHTS
Attendance: single-day record 92,969 on Dec. 31.
ANNUAL EVENTS
More than 72,000 high school seniors attended four Grad Nites.
David & Danny Edwards won Golf Classic/National Team Championship.
Robin Maples named ambassador for 1981.
Rock Hudson narrated Christmas Candlelight Processional.
SPECIAL EVENTS
World Series of Entertainment performers included Peaches and Herb, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Dr. Hook, Pure Prairie League, Billy “Crash” Craddock, Lynn Anderson, Livingston Taylor, Rupert Holmes.
CELEBRATED GUESTS
His Royal Highness Mohammed Bin Fahad Al-Faud of Saudi Arabia; Michael Jackson; the Osmond Family; Keenan Wynn; Paul Lynde.
1981
OPENINGS
In May, Kinder Care Children’s Center.
In June, the new “Broadway at the Top” dinner show at Contemporary Resort’s Top of the World, Epcot Center Preview Center opened in Magic Kingdom.
HIGHLIGHTS
In May, Organization of American States Arts Festival for the Handicapped hosted at Walt Disney World Village and Magic Kingdom.
On Oct. 1, yearlong Tencennial began with stars Bob Hope, Pat and Debby Boone, Frankie Avalon, Skiles and Henderson.
ANNUAL EVENTS
More than 80,000 high school grads attended five Grad Nites. Entertainment: Pure Prairie League, Terry Gibbs, Sister Sledge, Fantasy, One Way featuring Al Hudson.
Vance Heafner & Mike Holland won Golf Classic/National Team Championship.
Jeannie Thiele was named ambassador.
SPECIAL EVENTS
World Series of Entertainment performers included Evelyn “Champagne” King, Mike Love of the Beach Boys, The Association, Chubby Checker, Chuck Berry, Mary Wells, the Spinners, Fantasy, Mickey Gilley and Johnny Lee, Bobby Bare and Ray Stevens.
Festival Tropical featured Celia Cruz, Celio Gonzalez and Iran Eory.
Labor Day entertainment featured John Schneider of “The Dukes of Hazzard,” Reba McEntire, Ricky Skaggs and Gail Davies.
CELEBRATED GUESTS
Canadian Ambassador Kenneth Taylor; golf star Tom Watson; pitcher Steve Carlton; Burl Ives; Debby Boone; Sandy Duncan; tennis star Yvonne Goolagong; Dick Van Dyke; Michael Landon; Ricky Schroeder.
1982
"To all who come to this place of joy, hope and friendship, welcome.
"Epcot Center is inspired by Walt Disney's creative genius. Here, human achievements are celebrated through imagination, the wonders of enterprise, and concepts of a future that promises new and exciting benefits for all.
"May Epcot Center entertain, inform and inspire. And, above all, may it instill a new sense of belief and pride in man's ability to shape a world that offers hope to people everywhere."
Epcot Center Dedication Plaque
E. Cardon Walker, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Walt Disney Productions, Oct. 24, 1982
OPENINGS
On Oct. 1, Epcot Center opened with five Future World pavilions and nine World Showcases -- Mexico, China, Germany, Italy, American Adventure, Japan, France, United Kingdom, Canada.
HIGHLIGHTS
Epcot Center’s grand opening ceremonies in late October featured Count Basie and his Orchestra; Lionel Hampton and his Big Band; the Glenn Miller Orchestra; Bob Crosby and the Bobcats; Pete Fountain and his New Orleans Jazz Band (at Spaceship Earth Ball); West Point Glee Club; 450-piece All-American Marching Band; and World Showcase Festival performers representing 23 countries.
Media coverage by more than 1,000 print and electronic journalists. Satellite uplink allowed live coverage by more than 100 TV crews, including “Good Morning America,” “Today” and “The CBS Morning News,” plus foreign TV -- BBC, ZDF from West Germany, RAI from Italy and Antennae 2 from France. Major stories appeared in New York Times, Time, Life, Reader’s Digest and others.
Special guests at opening included Mrs. Walt Disney; Florida Gov. Bob Graham; authors Ray Bradbury and Alex Haley; New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner.
Walt Disney World Tencennial celebration continued.
Two-park attendance records of 123,800 set Dec. 28, and 705,000 for week of Dec. 26.
ANNUAL EVENTS
More than 72,000 students were entertained at Grad Nite by Pointer Sisters, Bertie Higgins, Tommy Tutone, Michael Iceberg and Tierra.
Walt Disney World Resort rejoined regular PGA/TPD Tour with October Classic won by Hal Sutton in a four-hole sudden-death playoff with Bill Britton.
Cynthia Pleasant named 1983 ambassador.
Pat and Shirley Boone narrated Christmas Candlelight Processional.
SPECIAL EVENTS
World Series of Entertainment included Don McLean, Henry Paul Band, Luther Vandross, Chuck Berry, Gary “U.S.” Bonds, Grass Roots, Ventures.
Tencennial Summer Kickoff featured Mel Tillis, Brenda Lee, Gail Davies and Fred Knoblock.
The Bellamy Brothers, Bertie Higgins and Calamity Jane headlined Labor Day Salute.
“Sparkling Christmas Spectacular” debuted.
CELEBRATED GUESTS
Paul Harvey; Eileen Ford; former President Richard Nixon and family; John Travolta; Jimmy Buffett; Barry Manilow; Rep. Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill, Massachusetts; Drew Barrymore; Sen. John Glenn, Ohio; Sen. Lowell Weicker, Connecticut; Pat Summerall; Phyllis George Brown.
1983
OPENINGS
In spring, Buena Vista Palace Resort in Village Hotel Plaza.
In June, Epcot Outreach and Teacher Center opened outreach and information services.
On Oct. 1, Horizons (General Electric) celebrating man’s inventiveness opened at Epcot Center.
In November, Hilton at the Village opened as sixth resort in Village Hotel Plaza.
HIGHLIGHTS
Walt Disney World Festival Program for international cultural entertainers began at Epcot Center, Magic Kingdom and Walt Disney World Village.
On April 11, Carrie Stahl of Freeland, Mich., became 150-millionth visitor on her 11th birthday.
“New World Fantasy” fireworks, orchestrated fountains, video and laser lights debuted on lagoon at Epcot Center.
“Show Biz Is” debuted on Tomorrowland Stage.
The Disney Channel’s “EPCOT Magazine” began filming with host Michael Young and celebrity guests -- Connie Stevens, Jessica Walter, Lindsay Wagner and others.
In August, first Class of '66 World Showcase Fellowship students visited Washington and New York before returning to their homelands. New class included People’s Republic of China students.
On Oct. 2, Epcot groundbreaking for The Living Seas (United Technologies) and Moroccoshowcase.
ANNUAL EVENTS
Payne Stewart won the Walt Disney World Golf Classic.
Susan Ralston was named 1984 ambassador.
Joseph Campanella narrated Candlelight Processional.
Dec. 16, premiere of “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.”
Joan Lunden and Mike Douglas hosted a live telecast of “Walt Disney World’s Very Merry Christmas Parade” on Christmas Day.
World Series of Entertainment included Melba Moore, Willie Aames, Shalamar, Billy Idol and the Dazz Band, Paul Davis, Tavares, Michael Murphy, Cheryl Lynn, Dave Mason, Charlene and Sky.
Hugh O’Brian International Leadership Seminar held at Walt Disney World for first time, drew 148 of brightest students from America and abroad.
Mickey Mouse and Walt Disney World Percheron horses toured Canada and U.S., won eight-horse championship at World Percheron Congress in Alberta, Canada.
71,000 high school graduates at four Grad Nites were entertained by the Dazz Band, Steel Breeze, the Greg Kihn Band, Marshall Crenshaw and the Burrito Brothers.
In September, first Night of Joy contemporary Christian music event featured Leon Patillo, Phil Keaggy, Petra, Shirley Caesar, Scott Wesley Brown, David Meece and Sheila Walsh.
In late September, finals of Sport Goofy/International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Championships held at Village Resort with best tennis players ages 14 and under from more than 70 countries.
CELEBRATED GUESTS
President Ronald Reagan at Epcot Center March 8, and Vice President Bush on June 3; Sen. Lawton Chiles, Florida; Crown Prince Harald of Norway; Rep. Clay Shaw, Florida; Sen. Edward Zorinsky, Nebraska; Rep. Sam Gibbons, Florida; Sen. John Danforth, Missouri; United States Under Secretary of Tourism Peter McCoy; Sen. Fon Nickles, Oklahoma; Sen. James Exxon, Nebraska; Sen. Howard Metzenbaum, Ohio; Sen. David Boren, Oklahoma; Sen. Dennis Smith, Missouri; Gov. Charles Robb, Maryland; Gov. William Winter, Mississippi; Gen. Alexander Haig; John Travolta; Red Skelton; Burt Reynolds; Jason Robards; Rosemary Clooney; Rose Marie; Kay Starr; Anne Murray; Henry Thomas; Dr. Joyce Brothers; Mike Farrell; Air Supply.
1984
OPENINGS
In September, Morocco showcase opened by Minister of Tourism Mohamed Belmahi; new Circle-Vision 360 motion picture “American Journeys” (Black & Decker) premiered along with Big Thunder Shooting Gallery.
HIGHLIGHTS
May 19, Donald Duck’s 50th birthday celebration premiered with Grand Marshal Clarence “Ducky” Nash (Donald’s voice) and 50 real ducks leading parade down Main Street, U.S.A.
In August, U.S. Olympic Team, gymnast Mary Lou Retton, swimmer Rowdy Gaines and women’s volleyball teams visited.
Epcot Center celebrated yearlong WorldFest with traditions, folklore and entertainment of World Showcase countries; LaserPhonic Fantasy was introduced.
ANNUAL EVENTS
Second Sport Goofy/ITF World Championships at Lake Buena Vista.
80,000 high school students at four Grad Nite parties heard Night Ranger, the Dazz Band, Dwight Twilley and Exile.
Larry Nelson won the Walt Disney World Golf Classic.
Linnae Massa was selected 1985 ambassador.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Walt Disney Productions staged half-time show at Super Bowl XVIII in Tampa.
World Series of Entertainment performers included Temptations, Four Tops, Commodores, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Atlanta, Jerry Reed and Tammy Wynette.
Epcot Center introduced an international festival of foreign performers from Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, Colombia, Senegal, West Africa and the Peoples Republic of China.
Walt Disney World Percheron horses appeared for several months at the World’s Fair in New Orleans.
In September, a two-night Night of Joy featured Amy Grant, Debby Boone, Dion, Leon Patillo, the Rez Band, the Clark Sisters and the Darrell Mansfield Band.
Richard Carpenter, Toni Tennille and Marvin Hamlisch among guest conductors at first All-American College Orchestra series nightly during summer in Epcot Center. Other special performances throughout the resort by Patti Page, Janie Frickie, Carol Lawrence and the Montovani Orchestra.
CELEBRATED GUESTS
White House Chief of Staff James Baker; Kathryn Ortega, Treasurer of the U.S.; Terrel Bell, Secretary of Education; Elizabeth Dole, Secretary of Transportation; Ante Markovic, President of the Republic of Croatia, Yugoslavia; Joe Theismann, Washington Redskins; Julius Erving (Dr. J), Philadelphia 76ers; Vincent Price; George Kennedy; Michael Jackson; Burt Bacharach; Billy Joel; John Travolta; Miss Universe Lorraine Dows; former President Richard Nixon; Princess Lalla Meriem of Morocco.
1985
HIGHLIGHTS
Memorial Day weekend highlighted by President Ronald Reagan’s visit to Epcot Center for President’s Inaugural Bands Parade which included 21 bands unable to perform at frigid January Inaugural.
Disney-MGM Studio plans unveiled in Tallahassee by Florida Gov. Bob Graham, Disney Chairman Michael Eisner and President Frank Wells.
Mickey Mouse, ambassador Linnae Massa led 61-city character goodwill tour.
Radio City Music Hall Rockettes joined Mickey Mouse at Epcot Center through the summer as part of the Star Spangled Summer celebration.
Tinkerbell began nightly flights from Cinderella Castle. “Skyleidoscope” began its sea-and-air performances at Epcot Center.
Groundbreaking held for Norway, 11th World Showcase pavilion.
Polynesian Village Resort, Golf Resort and Fort Wilderness Campground expanded facilities.
Epcot Center’s Voices of Liberty sang for two White House Christmas parties, and Mickey Mouse assisted President and Mrs. Reagan with the lighting of the nation’s Christmas tree on the White House lawn.
ANNUAL EVENTS
ABC-TV began annual broadcasts of “Walt Disney World Happy Easter Parade” with Joan Lunden and Rick Dees as on-air hosts. NBC Radio began regular broadcasts from Magic Kingdom.
Grad Nite entertainment was by Midnight Star, Shalamar, Teena Marie and Animotion.
September Night of Joy - Petra, Michael W. Smith, David Meece, David and the Giants, White Heart, AD.
Oldsmobile became Walt Disney World Golf Classic sponsor, and Lanny Wadkins won with record-tying 63 in final round.
Jody Carbiener chosen 1986 ambassador.
Candlelight Processional narrated by singing star Howard Keel.
“Christmas Parade” broadcast on ABC with Joan Lunden, Ben Vereen and Regis Philbin; CBS taped segments at Epcot Center for airing on its “Happy New Year, America.”
SPECIAL EVENTS
Walt Disney World staged pre-game show at Yankee Stadium. Mickey Mouse and Walt Disney World honored guests at Indianapolis 500 parade and festival.
Entertainment events included: Valentine Heartbeat with Billy Ocean, New Edition, the Dazz Band, Whodini, Champaign; Blast from the Past in April with Four Tops, Chuck Berry, Frankie Avalon, The Association, Mamas and the Papas, Sha Na Na; Night of Joy in May with Andrae Crouch, Debby Boone, the Archers, Philip Bailey, Phil Driscoll, Glad; On Stage with Kool and the Gang, Shannon, Fiona, Sawyer Brown, SOS Band.
Fall entertainment featured Big Band Bash with Lionel Hampton and his orchestra; the Glenn Miller Orchestra; Bob Crosby and his orchestra with Kay Starr; Guy Lombardo’s Royal Canadians, directed by Art Mooney; Alvino Rey and his orchestra with the King Sisters; Bob Cross Orchestra; Pete Fountain and his New Orleans Jazz Band; September On Stage with Sister Sledge, the Dazz Band, Ready for the World, Alexander O’Neal, Barkays and Steve Arrington; Country Magic in October with Charlie Daniels Band, Louise Mandrell, Sylvia, Southern Pacific, Hand Picked, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band; Halloween entertainment by Whitney Houston, Quarterflash, X.
CELEBRATED GUESTS
Javier Perez de Cuellar, Secretary General of the United Nations; Sen. Ted Stevens, Alaska; Sen. Albert Gore Jr., Tennessee; Mrs. Jake Garn, wife of the Nevada senator, visited during her husband’s historic space shuttle flight; Ambassador Clare Boothe Luce; Secretary of the Navy John Lehman; the Duke of Marlborough; Ranasinghe Premadasa, Prime Minister of Sri-Lanka; Maj. Gen. Robert Lugar, Commander of the Swedish Home Guard; Gen. Bengtsson, Chief of Staff of the Swedish Army; columnist Jack Anderson; Ann Miller; Kenny Rogers; Roger Whittaker; the Osmond Brothers; Ben Vereen; Morey Amsterdam; Julian Lennon; Roger Staubach, Dallas Cowboys; Ron Jaworski, Philadelphia Eagles; Chuck Norris.
1986
OPENINGS
In January, grand opening of The Living Seas (United Technologies Corp.) with 200 species of sea life in giant “ocean” beside Seabase Alpha at Epcot Center.
In September, “Captain EO,” 3-D sci-fi musical adventure starring Michael Jackson premiered at Journey into Imagination (Kodak).
HIGHLIGHTS
Groundbreaking in spring for Disney-MGM Studios, Grand Floridian Beach Resort, Pleasure Island nighttime entertainment complex.
15th Birthday Party began Oct. 1 with world’s largest press party - 5,000 media and guests. Entertainers included Dolly Parton, Charlie Daniels Band, The Monkees, Air Supply, Ray Charles. Special guests Betty White, Bea Arthur, Charlton Heston, Emmanuel Lewis, Former Chief Justice Warren Burger. Yearlong celebration included daily giveaway of one Chevrolet Cavalier or S-10 plus many other prizes.
ANNUAL EVENTS
Grad Nites entertainers were Ready for the World, Klymaxx, Starpoint and Nu Shooz; Night of Joy with Petra, Leon Patillo and Stryper.
Elizabeth Thompson was selected as 1987 ambassador.
Ray Floyd won Walt Disney World/Oldsmobile Golf Classic.
Joan Lunden returned for her fourth year as co-host of the “Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Parade,” her second with Ben Vereen.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Entertainment during the year included Valentine Heartbeat with Starpoint, Miami Sound Machine, The Jets and Kurtis Blow; the Big Band Bash with the Count Basie, Artie Shaw and Glenn Miller orchestras; and other shows featuring The Four Tops, Spinners, Skiles and Henderson, Donny Osmond and Maureen McGovern.
Goofy Games, a competition among TV stations from 25 major markets around the country, gave the media a chance to participate in events to win money for local charities.
CELEBRATED GUESTS
Gov. Bob Graham; Dr. Leo Buscaglia, author; Robin Strassar; Joan Lunden; Jeff Bodine, stock-car racer; Robert Conrad; Bob Hope; recording artists Robert Plant, Alice Cooper and Stephen Bishop; The Osmond Boys; Robert Ballard, consultant to The Living Seas pavilion at Epcot Center and the chief scientist of the explorer team that located the Titanic; Secretary of the Navy John Lehman; Gov. Charles Robb, Va.; football star Johnny Unitas; Miss America Susan Aiken; singer Crystal Gayle; George Plimpton; David and Harriet Nelson; Jerry Reed; Buddy Rich; Kurt Russell; The Temptations; Toni Tennille; Helen Hayes; Reba McIntyre; 24 Soviet Junior Cosmonauts.
1987
OPENINGS
In October, the Daredevil Circus Spectacular debuted in Epcot Future World with elephants, aerialists, “skycyclists” and high-wire walkers, and space-age dancers.
Celebrating the U.S. Constitution’s 200th birthday, the “All-America Parade,” one of the largest ever in Magic Kingdom, premiered with Mickey leading 17 floats representing American landmarks.
In October, Walt Disney World Information & Reservation Center opened on Interstate 75 in Ocala.
HIGHLIGHTS
15th Birthday celebration with a car-a-day giveaway continued through September. Birthday Bonanza Weekends awarded prizes including cars to weekend visitors later in the fall.
In July, Kent Robertson, 27, of Collinsville, Ill., became the 250-millionth visitor as Walt Disney World attendance surpassed the official population of the United States.
On Oct. 1, Minnie Mouse debuted in “Totally Minnie” stage show in Fantasyland.
On Oct. 2, Disney Dollars -- colorful $1 and $5 bills with portraits of Mickey Mouse and Goofy -- debuted at the Vacation Kingdom.
ANNUAL EVENTS
Musical events included Valentine Heartbeat with The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Jason and the Scorchers, Stacy Lattisaw, Nancy Martinez, Billy Vera and the Beaters and Levert; Grad Nite parties with Wang Chung, Glass Tiger, Ready for the World, Oran “Juice” Jones, Nancy Martinez and Bobby Brown; and fall Night of Joy with The Imperials, Randy Stonehill, Benny Hester, Kim Boyce, Greg Volz, Petra, Michael W. Smith and the Clark Sisters. All-American College Orchestra fifth season was conducted by guests Donny Osmond, Rosemary Clooney, Maureen McGovern, Bob McGrath, Johnny Mann, Richard Carpenter and the Clark Sisters.
Biggest Goofy Games III attracted 50 TV stations; WPRI-TV of Providence, R.I., and WATE-TV of Knoxville, Tenn., each won $10,000 for local charities.
“Walt Disney World Happy Easter Parade” broadcast on ABC-TV with Joan Lunden and Ben Vereen.
Larry Nelson won 17th Annual Walt Disney World/Oldsmobile Golf Classic, $600,000 purse.
Susan Anderson chosen 17th ambassador.
Joan Lunden and Alan Thicke hosted the fifth annual telecast of the “Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Parade,” carried live on ABC-TV.
Dean Jones narrated Magic Kingdom Christmas Candlelight Processional.
SPECIAL EVENTS
In May, the Golden Anniversary of the film “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” was celebrated by gathering 25 young performers who had portrayed Snow White in Magic Kingdom.
In May, top water skiers competed for the largest purse ever in water-ski history -- $75,000 -- at the Walt Disney World/Ski Supreme Water Ski Classic.
CELEBRATED GUESTS
Robert Urich; Mickey Rooney; Alan Thicke; Robert DeNiro; Keith Carradine; George Takei; Rob Lowe; Ron Howard; Bo Derek; the Pointer Sisters; New York Giant Phil Simms; Jimmy Connors; June Carter Cash; Louise Mandrell; Anne Murray; Melissa Manchester; Keith Hernandez and Daryl Strawberry; “Voyager” pilots Jeana Yeager and Dick Rutan; rock stars Ric Ocasek, Ron Wood, Tom Petty, David Gilmour, Nick Mason and Richard Wright; movie critic Gene Siskel; syndicated columnist Heloise of “Hints from Heloise”; Martin Luther King III, “What’s Next” guests Phil Simms, Dennis Connor, Earvin “Magic”Johnson and World Series MVP Frank Viola.
1988
OPENINGS
In June, Mickey’s Birthdayland opened in Magic Kingdom for the Mickey Mouse 60th Birthday celebration. Four thousand underprivileged children selected by mayors of 125 U.S. and overseas cities, including Misha the Bear and 10 children from the Soviet Union, flew in to share a 1,000-foot birthday cake.
In June, elegant Grand Floridian Beach Resort, first new Disney hotel in 15 years, kicked off a massive
10-year hotel expansion program with 900 rooms open on Seven Seas Lagoon.
Epcot Center opened 11th World Showcase pavilion - Norway - featuring Maelstrom, a twisting water ride.
In October, Caribbean Beach Resort opened first 764 of 2,112 rooms -- first moderate-level Disney resort, with colorful island village bungalows.
HIGHLIGHTS
“IllumiNations” laser/fireworks/fountain musical spectacle debuted during January press event at Epcot Center. Ground broken for Wonders of Life (MetLife) life and health pavilion in Future World.
In January, Capuchinmonkeys’ breeding colony established on Discovery Island for “Helping Hands” program where monkeys will be trained to assist handicapped people. First monkey off the island adopted by a couple in Interlachen, Fla., on May 31.
In June, motion picture and television production at Disney-MGM Studios began with TV’s “Win, Lose or Draw,” “Siskel & Ebert,” “Carol Burnett Special” and “Superboy” TV series.
In June, manatee education exhibit opened at Epcot Living Seas pavilion.
ANNUAL EVENTS
Magic Kingdom musical events: Valentine Heartbeat two nights with Tiffany, Ray Parker Jr., Expose and Regina Bell; A Blast from the Past with The Four Tops, Paul Revere and the Raiders, Spinners, The Turtles and The Grass Roots in April; Grad Nite with Expose and Run D.M.C.; Night of Joy with Stryper in fall.
April 23-28,53 teams participated in Goofy Games IV.
Guest performers with All-American College Band during Epcot summer series included jazz master Rich Matteson, singer Toni Tennille, actress Susan Anton.
Walt Disney World/Oldsmobile Golf Classic was won by Bob Lohr of Orlando.
Kathleen Sullivan named 1989 ambassador.
Joan Lunden again headed ABC telecast of “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade.”
SPECIAL EVENTS
In July, the Beach Boys filmed a music video at the Grand Floridian Beach Resort.
Elegant black-tie gala at Grand Floridian Beach Resort for New Year’s Eve with Frankie Avalon, Four Seasons quartet and the Palm Beach Society Orchestra; Bob Crosby Orchestra at Epcot for New Year’s Eve.
DISTINGUISHED GUESTS
On June 8, Nancy Reagan visited for Foster Grandparents Jamboree at Epcot Center and toured Mickey’s Birthdayland. Other guests included gospel singer Sandi Patty; “What’s Next” guest Doug Williams; Miss America Gretchen Williams; Orel Hershiser; Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
1989
“The world you have entered was created by The Walt Disney Company and is dedicated to Hollywood -- not a place on a map, but a state of mind that exists wherever people dream and wonder and imagine, a place where illusion and reality are fused by technological magic. We welcome you to a Hollywood that never was -- and always will be.”
Disney-MGM Studios Dedication Plaque
Michael D. Eisner, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
The Walt Disney Company, May 1, 1989
OPENINGS
May 1, Disney-MGM Studios theme park opened with movie-making and Tinseltown glamour, major entertainment attractions and behind-the-scenes look at the production process. Chinese Theater and Earffel Tower its major icons.
On June 1, Typhoon Lagoon opened featuring a 95-foot-high mountain, eight water slides and a 2 ½-acre wave pool.
In June, Pleasure Island opened with six exciting nightclubs plus shops and restaurants.
On Oct. 29, Dreamflight (Delta Air Lines) opened in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland as new fly-through adventure.
On Oct. 30, Wonders of Life, Epcot Center life and health pavilion presented by Met Life, opened.
HIGHLIGHTS
The World Champion team of Walt Disney World Percheron horses represented Florida in President Bush’s Inaugural Parade.
Toon star Roger Rabbit made his first public appearance in “Walt Disney World Happy Easter Parade” telecast with Joan Lunden, Alan Thicke and Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
March 27, new 61,000-square-foot Venetian-palace themed Disney Casting Center opened.
The Walt Disney Co. signed an agreement with Henson Associates Inc. for MuppetVision 3-D film adventure as new attraction at Disney-MGM Studios. To celebrate opening of the park, Mickey Mouse toured many cities in his 40-foot-long custom-equipped LiMOUSEine vehicle.
In October, the “Disney Character Hit Parade,” featuring classic Disney songs, debuted in Magic Kingdom.
ANNUAL EVENTS
Feb. 2-5, Disney Village Marketplace greeted more than 60 winemakers for the eighth annual Village Wine Festival.
Musical event headliners included: Samantha Fox and New Kids On The Block for Grad Nites; Take 6, Michael W. Smith, Petra, Phil Keaggy, Shirley Caesar, Rez Band, and Margaret Becker and the Reckoning for Night of Joy; Martika, Expose, Michael Damian and Kevin Paige for On Stage.
Karen Tucker was named 1990 ambassador.
In October,Tim Simpson won the 1989 Walt Disney World Golf Classic.
On Dec. 3, Cheer Force One, Walt Disney World’s Mickey Mouse-shaped balloon -- topped with a Santa Claus hat -- took to the Florida skies to help celebrate Christmas.
On Dec. 8-9, “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party” took over Magic Kingdom with Christmas parade and appearances by Frosty the Snowman and Santa Claus.
McLean Stevenson narrated the Candlelight Processional.
“Walt Disney World’s Very Merry Christmas Parade” appeared nationwide on ABC-TV on Christmas Day, hosted by Joan Lunden and Alan Thicke.
SPECIAL EVENTS
On June 21, comedian Harvey Korman greeted the 300-millionth guest at the gates of Disney-MGM Studios. The Mickey Mouse Club headlined the “Walt Disney World Fourth of July Spectacular” TV special. Other guests: Willard Scott, Sandi Patty, New Kids On The Block.
Walt Disney World teamed with “Today” host Bryant Gumbel and the United Negro College Fund for a golf tournament/dinner show benefit featuring Vice President Dan Quayle, 1989 Miss America Debbye Turner, singer Jimmy Buffett and singing duo Ashford and Simpson.
DISTINGUISHED GUESTS
Vice President Dan Quayle; Kevin Costner; Pee Wee Herman; former Supreme Court Justice Warren Burger; Dick Van Dyke; singer Willie Nelson; stock car driver Darrell Waltrip; Miss America 1989 Debbye Turner; Bryant Gumbel; Steve Allen; Jayne Meadows; Luci Arnaz; Bob Hope; George Burns; Joe Piscopo; George Hamilton; Vanna White; Lou Gossett Jr.; Jackson Browne; Phyllis Diller; Bob Denver; Darryl Hannah; Peter Marshall; Jim Henson; George Lucas; Jimmy Buffett; Betty White; Harvey Korman; Ashford and Simpson; John Ritter; Pat Boone; Orel Hershiser; Gary Carter; Elizabeth Shue; McLean Stevenson; Rose Marie; Isabel Sanford; Nell Carter; John Davidson; Erin Hudson; Dick Van Patten; Elliot Gould; Phyllis Diller; Buddy Hackett; Deidre Hall; Dr. Joyce Brothers; the Sokol-Kiev Russian hockey team; “What’s Next” guests Joe Montana, Al MacInnis, Joe Dumars.
1990
OPENINGS
In mid-January, Star Tours, a Star Wars thriller (presented by M&M’s Chocolate Candies) at Disney-MGM Studios; Walt Disney World Swan hotel opened.
Openings at mid-year: “Here Come The Muppets” theater show featuring Kermit the Frog and Fozzie Bear, “Sorcery in the Sky” fireworks; “Honey I Shrunk the Kids” Movie Set Adventure; Commissary Restaurant; daily appearances by the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
1,509-room Walt Disney World Dolphin, designed by Michael Graves as twin to Walt Disney World Swan(both operated by Sheraton) opened.
International Gateway entrance, located near the France showcase was opened, giving Epcot resort guests convenient access to Epcot.
In November, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort debuted.
HIGHLIGHTS
During the January opening event, Disney Chairman/CEO Michael D. Eisner unveiled 1990s as The Disney Decade, a comprehensive ten-year plan for Walt Disney World expansion with two dozen new attractions in three theme parks, at least six new resort hotels, a Disney Vacation Club hotel, the residential City of Celebration and a fourth theme park.
In April, Pleasure Island introduced nightclub/theme park concept featuring New Year’s Eve celebration and street party every night.
“Dick Tracy” premiered with many stars at Disney-MGM Studios -- inspired “Dick Tracy & the Diamond Double Cross” stage musical for year’s run.
ANNUAL EVENTS
The ninth annual Village Wine Festival featured some 60 wineries and showcased more than 100 California premium varietals and sparkling wines.
Goofy Games VI featured teams from 24 U.S. cities plus eight international teams from five countries and the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico.
Meals on Wheels, Inc./Council on Aging received $50,000 top honor in 1990 Walt Disney World Community Service Awards.
Joan Lunden (“Good Morning America”) and Alan Thicke (“Growing Pains”) were TV hosts for ABC’s broadcast of “Walt Disney World Happy Easter Parade.”
Kerry Kalus was selected 1991 ambassador.
Special entertainment events during the year included Jody Watley and Seduction for Grad Nites with host Shadoe Stevens; plus Petra and Carman, Steven Curtis Chapman, Shirley Caesar, DeGarmo & Key, and Rez Band for eighth annual Night of Joy; “Downtown” Julie Brown hosted a “Fourth of July Spectacular” live TV special with Gladys Knight and Jermaine Jackson.
Walt Disney World/Oldsmobile Golf Classic with Central Florida’s first $1-million purse, won by Tim Simpson who also won in 1989.
“Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party” added third night in Magic Kingdom.
Joseph Campanella narrated annual Candlelight Procession.
Joan Lunden and Alan Thicke co-anchored eighth annual ABC-TV telecast of “Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Parade.”
Devo and the Village People headed the Pleasure Island lineup on New Year’s Eve.
SPECIAL EVENTS
In March, NFL team owners were hosted by Disney-MGM Studios during a private party.
In June, TIA’s Discover America International Pow Wow, co-hosted by Walt Disney World Resort, brought more than 2,000 vacation packagers and tour operators to the resort.
In June, Warren Beatty and Dustin Hoffman headed the all-star lineup for the world premiere of the “Dick Tracy” motion picture at AMC Theatre’s Pleasure Island 10.
Mickey’s Birthdayland, opened in 1988, became Mickey’s Starland with special guests for the opening of the new show from the original Mouseketeers, Sherri Alberoni and Bobby Burgess.
On July 9, the GM Sunrayce featuring experimental solar-powered vehicles departed Epcot Center on a cross-country race to Warren, Mich.
On Aug. 23-25, New Orleans lawyer Pat Browne won his 14th title (13th in a row) in the RP “Swing for Sight” United States Blind Golfers Association Championship.
On Sept. 15, nearly 1,000 triathletes from around the world competed at Walt Disney World in the International Triathlon Union World Championship.
NBC-TV “Today” anchor Bryant Gumbel/Walt Disney World Pro-Am Golf Tournament raised $225,000 for United Negro College Fund. Celebs included Joe DiMaggio, Frank Viola, Julius Erving, Rick Barry, Bob Lanier, John Havlicek, Arthur Ashe, Pierre Larouche, Mike Eruzione, Davey Johnson, Ed Marinaro, Joe Washington, Dick Anderson, Jim Rice, Rusty Staub, Marshall Holman, Curly Neal, B.J. Thomas and Tom Brokaw.
In mid-December, Families of Florida-based Operation Desert Shield personnel were guests for a day in Magic Kingdom.
NOTABLE
Construction began during the fall on Disney’s fourth and fifth championship golf courses, to be designed by all-star course architects Pete Dye and Tom Fazio.
Disney-MGM Executive Chef Reimund Pitz won the Governor’s Cup in the Florida seafood competition.
Orlando and Walt Disney World Resort were announced as hosts for the 1992 National Basketball Association All-Star Weekend.
FILM & TV PRODUCTION AT DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS
“Let’s Make A Deal” began taping daytime TV show on Disney soundstages with host Bob Hilton, later replaced by long-time host Monty Hall.
Sidney Poitier and Burt Lancaster headed the cast for ABC-TV mini-series, “Separate But Equal.”
DISTINGUISHED GUESTS
President George Bush visited Epcot Center agriculture experiments at The Land and manatee exhibit at The Living Seas. Other guests: Prince Ranier of Monaco; Gov. James Robert Thompson, Illinois; Gov. Judd Greg, New Hampshire.
Star Today at Disney-MGM Studios included: Vicki Lawrence; Howie Mandel; Greg Louganis; Tom Wopat; Mark Hamill; Paul Sorvino; Charlene Tilton; Jerry Van Dyke; Mike Conners; Brenda Vaccaro; Marcus Allen; Wil Wheaton; Tom Poston; E.G. Marshall; Sally Struthers; Jason Hervey; John Schneider; Bob McGrath and Alaina Reed Hall; Mary Frann; 1991 Miss America Marjorie Judith Vincent; Bert Parks; Eddie Albert; Robert Klein; Dorothy Lamour; Douglas Fairbanks Jr.; George Wendt; Susan Ruttan; Charlotte Rae; Gary Burghoff, Larry Linville and Jamie Farr; Lou Ferrigno; Christopher Hewett and Rob Stone.
Guest artists with All-American College Orchestra: Rosemary Clooney; Bill Conti; Carol Lawrence; Michael Feinstein; Maureen McGovern; Patrick Williams.
Other celebrities: Vanna White; Jose Conseco; Milli Vanilli; Baseball’s Dave Stewart; Mother Waddles; Frankie Valli; Bill Laimbeer; Harry Smith and Kathleen Sullivan; Siskel and Ebert; Billy Joel; Christie Brinkley; Liza Minnelli; Barbara Mandrell; Laura Brannigan; Otis Day and The Knights; Dick Clark; Monty Hall; Janet Jackson; Sugar Ray Leonard; Delta Burke; Gerald McRaney; Florida Gov. Bob Martinez; the Harlem Globetrotters; Paul Harvey; Gloria Estefan; Jonathan Frakes; Genie Francis; Conway Twitty; Marilyn McCoo; Meat Loaf; Kid-N-Play; Rob McConnell; Jerry Lewis; Harry Caray; Tommy Morrison; Tristan Rogers; Sylvester Stallone; Lee Greenwood; Kareem Abdul-Jabbar; Crystal Gayle; “What’s Next” guest Joe Montana.
1991
OPENINGS
New attractions at Disney-MGM Studios: “Jim Henson’s Muppet*Vision 3D” hilarious special effects show; Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant; Pizzeria specialty restaurant.
In May, Port Orleans Resort welcomed first guests to a 1,008-room resort inspired by New Orleans’ French Quarter.
HIGHLIGHTS
In September, “Main Street Electrical Parade” ended 15-season run with packed house for farewell performances.
Oct. 1 re-dedication of Magic Kingdom by Michael D. Eisner and Roy E. Disney capped a four-day kickoff and media event for Walt Disney World 20th Anniversary celebration.
Six new outdoor shows readied for kickoff of Walt Disney World 20th Anniversary celebration in October included nighttime Magic Kingdom parade, “SpectroMagic”; “Surprise Celebration” daytime parade; three Disney-MGM Studios shows -- “Hollywood’s Pretty Woman,” “Muppets on Location” and “Dinosaurs Live!” and Epcot Center daytime show, “Surprise in the Skies.”
ANNUAL EVENTS
10th annual Village Wine Festival showcased 60 California winemakers.
On March 31, Joan Lunden and Alan Thicke hosted annual “Walt Disney World Happy Easter Parade” on ABC-TV.
Magic Kingdom musical events included En Vogue and C&C Music Factory at annual Grad Nite parties; Petra headlined a six-act lineup of contemporary Christian music at the ninth annual Night of Joy in September.
Dawn Kuchar named Walt Disney World ambassador for 1992.
Mark O’Meara won Walt Disney World/Oldsmobile Golf Classic, 21-under-par.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Feb. 3, Lee Greenwood in live-concert debut of “The Great Defenders” on Pleasure Island, carried on Armed Forces TV and radio worldwide.
Sept. 30,President Bush at Epcot Center for speech to 575 Daily Points of Light, first gathering of the outstanding community service volunteers.
Marilyn McCoo headlined PBS’s “World’s Largest Concert” from Epcot Center.
Michael D. Eisner hosted 1,500 business executives at the Junior Achievement-Fortune Business Hall of Fame conference.
Former major league pitcher Dave Dravecky was among the keynote speakers at the National Dreamers and Doers event, which brought together high school seniors from 49 states.
NOTABLE
Wee Links grew from six to nine holes and was renamed Disney’s Oak Trail golf course.
Walt Disney World directed 2,000 youngsters in half-time spectacle at Super Bowl XXV in Tampa.
Le Bistro restaurant in the France showcase at Epcot Center was honored with an Ivy Award.
Orlando Naval Training Center’s Volunteer Program honored with $50,000 Bob Allen Outstanding Award while other tri-county non-profit organizations shared $250,000 at the annual Walt Disney World Community Service Awards.
The Yacht and Beach Club resorts honored with Four-Diamond Award from AAA.
FILM & TV PRODUCTION AT DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS AND RESORT LOCATIONS
Anne Murray headlined variety special from Walt Disney World over Canadian Broadcasting Corp. television. Featured guests: Julio Iglesias, Patti LaBelle and Andrea Martin.
The New Kids On The Block were featured in a Super Bowl weekend ABC-TV special from Walt Disney World.
“Disney’s Great American Celebration” Fourth of July special on CBS-TV featured Robert Guillaume, Barbara Mandrell, Sheena Easton, the Kentucky Headhunters, Tevin Campbell and C&C Music Factory.
July 27, Unistar Radio Network’s “Super Gold” with host Mike Harvey began programming from
Disney-MGM Studios radio facility.
Fred Willard and Sarah Purcell hosted the “Real People Reunion Special” for NBC-TV, taped before a live audience on Soundstage One at Disney-MGM Studios.
CELEBRATED GUESTS
Tim Conway; Michael Jackson; Macaulay Culkin; Crystal Gayle; Emmett Kelly Jr.; Bozo the Clown; Lorenzo Lamas; Paul Revere and the Raiders; Dr. Hook; Marshall Tucker Band; Howie Mandel; Sam Wright; Marcia Strassman; Waylon Jennings; Joe Namath; Shadoe Stevens; David Cassidy; Tristan Rogers; Sandy Duncan; Loni Anderson; Pat Morita; Charles Fleischer (voice of Roger Rabbit); Cathy Rigby; Walt Willey; Ben Vereen; Bob McGrath; John Davidson; Dick Vitale; Jo Marie Payton-France; Ann Miller; Little River Band; “What’s Next” guests O.J. Anderson, Michael Jordan.
1992
OPENINGS
In January,“Voyage of the Little Mermaid” magical musical stage review at Disney-MGM Studios; Dixie Landings, Disney’s newest moderately priced resort opened; Bonnet Creek Golf Club, featuring Osprey Ridge designed by Tom Fazio and Eagle Pines’ Pete Dye design, expanding Disney’s “Magic Linkdom” to 99 holes.
Disney Vacation Club phase 1 resort opened. Disney Vacation Club information centers opened in all three parks and several resort hotels.
During October media event, Splash Mountain high-speed flume ride opened.
New 4,000-square-foot greenhouse focusing on integrated pest management (IPM) opened at The Land in Epcot Center.
“Aladdin’s Royal Caravan,” rollicking new show on wheels, began year-long run.
2-3-4 Mickey Mouse, the company prop-jet plane that flew Walt Disney and many Disney executives and character tours for 28 years, landed on World Drive and retired to become an attraction on the Backlot at Disney-MGM Studios.
HIGHLIGHTS
Walt Disney World continued 20th Anniversary Celebration.
Mickey Forest, reforestation of 50,000 trees and covering 2,000 acres in Lake and Orange counties, began to be visible from the air as familiar shape of Mickey Mouse face.
Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (ATAS) announced Disney-MGM Studios as East Coast home of ATAS Hall of Fame Plaza. Milton Berle announced new inductees -- Bill Cosby, Andy Griffith, Ted Koppel, Dinah Shore, Ted Turner and Sheldon Leonard -- which were installed in the fall.
ANNUAL EVENTS
Jan. 20-Feb. 2, more than 60 winemakers represented at 11th Village Wine Festival.
Pleasure Island staged gala Mardi Gras celebration.
Grad Nite celebration at Magic Kingdom headlined by the music of Shanice.
Students from 61 Florida counties recognized at annual Walt Disney World Dreamers and Doers ceremony in May.
The 10th annual Night Of Joy featured Petra, D.C. Talk, Steven Curtis Chapman, The Winans, Geoff
Moore & The Distance and Cindy Morgan.
In September, first official Disneyana Convention at Disney’s Contemporary Resort for Disney memorabilia collectors from around the world.
John Huston was the winner of the 22nd annual Walt Disney World/Oldsmobile Golf Classic in October.
Kimberly Hursh was named the 1993 ambassador.
Singer John Davidson appeared in Epcot Center’s “Holiday Splendor” show. “CBS This Morning” anchor Paula Zahn narrated the Christmas Story at the annual Candlelight Procession in Magic Kingdom.
New Year’s Eve: Disney-MGM Studios featured “Thirty Years of Rock 'n Roll” with Mitch Ryder, Al Wilson, Otis Day and the Knights, Pat Upton, Jewel Akens, Mickey Dolenz, Donnie Brooks, Flash Cadillac, and Cannibal and the Headhunters. Epcot Center staged Kool and the Gang. Holiday features at Pleasure Island included British rockers Right Said Fred, singer Kenny Loggins, Artie Shaw Orchestra, singer/comedian “Weird Al” Yankovic and the jazz group Spyro Gyra with Sheena Easton, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, the Spinners and country music artist Dave Durham.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Three Dog Night starred at Disney-MGM Studios “Lost 70s” Valentine’s Day celebration.
May 1,the National Association of Partners in Education Inc. recognized its Outstanding School Volunteers at The Land pavilion.
Singer/actress Sandy Duncan joined Walt Disney World National Honor Band and 1,200 Central Florida school children in “World’s Largest Concert,” nationwide sing-along broadcast by PBS.
NASCAR great Richard Petty rode in Disney-MGM Studios Star Motorcade and inaugurated Walt Disney World racing “Wall of Fame.”
Brandon Adams, 10, of Baltimore, Md., arrived at Disney-MGM Studios to become 400-millionth guest to visit a Walt Disney World theme park.
In July, Walt Disney World hosted approximately 250 young athletes at 1992 Junior National Wheelchair Games.
In October, homecoming celebration held for Miss America Leanza Cornett at Disney-MGM Studios. She formerly played Ariel in “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” attraction.
Giant balloons of Santa Goofy, Betty Boop, Kermit the Frog and Humpty Dumpty from the “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” floated over Disney-MGM Studios’ New York Street set during Macy’s New York Christmas throughout the holidays.
Cuban hero pilot Orestes Lorenzo Perez, who rescued his wife and children in a daring flight to Cuba
Dec. 19, was honored guest for New Year’s weekend here.
NOTABLE
Grand Floridian Beach Resort earned distinguished four-star rating from Mobil Travel Guide.
Expansionof Florida Disney Animation Studios and doubling number of animators was announced by The Walt Disney Co.
American Culinary Federation awarded Disney-MGM Studios executive chef Reimund Pitz its highest
honor -- 1992 National Chef of the Year.
Yacht Club Resort earned four-diamond rating, highest given by AAA.
Walt Disney World Resort, one of 17 accorded a Gold Medal among Golf Magazine’s list of America’s Best Resorts.
FILM & TV PRODUCTION AT DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS AND RESORT LOCATIONS
“Adventures in Wonderland,” “Passenger 57,” “Wheel of Fortune,” “Ed McMahon’s Star Search” and “Mickey Mouse Club” were among the major productions using soundstages of Disney-MGM Studios.
Joan Lunden and Regis Philbin hosted “Walt Disney World Happy Easter Parade” and tenth “Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Parade.” Easter parade featured Richard Mulligan and Robbie Benson. Christmas parade added Ed McMahon, John Davidson and Miss America 1993 Leanza Cornett.
“Celebrate the Spirit! Disney’s All-Star 4th of July Spectacular” was hosted by John Ritter with Billy Ray Cyrus, Kris Kross, Shanice, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Celine Dion.
CELEBRATED GUESTS
Novelist Jennifer Blake; Annette Funicello; Olympic skater Paul Wylie; clown Emmett Kelly Jr.; jazz legend Maynard Ferguson; “Tonight Show” drummer Ed Shaughnessy; Rita Moreno; Toni Tennille; Rosemary Clooney; comedian Robert Klein; Richard Mulligan; singer/songwriter Jack Jones; Michael Doulton of Royal Doulton, Inc.; Bozo the Clown; actor Van Johnson.
Star Today headliners at Disney-MGM Studios were Melissa Gilbert; Raven; Della Reese; David Ogden Stiers; John Ratzenberger; Barry Corbin and Cynthia Geary; Neil Patrick Harris; Hugh O’Brian; Gabrielle Carteris; Martin Mull; Don Knotts; Joe Regalbuto and Pat Corley; Wil Shriner; Sherman Hemsley; Jane Russell; Florence Henderson; William Ragsdale and the cast from Fox’s “Herman’s Head”; Dick Van Patten; Kimberly Russell; Max Casella; Nichelle Nichols; Stephanie Powers; Ginger Rogers; Alex Trebek; Sally Struthers; Valerie Harper; Pierce Brosnan; Howie Mandel; “What’s Next” guest Mark Rypien.
1993
OPENINGS
In February, “The Sword in the Stone” show opened in Fantasyland.
Studio Showcase debuted at backstage tour with 65 stop-motion puppets, 20 miniature sets from “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
East Coast home for Television Academy Hall of Fame opened with new inductees -- attendance included Dick Clark, John Chancellor, Phil Donahue, Bob Newhart, Agnes Nixon.
In November, new Hall of Presidents production opened at Magic Kingdom with President Bill Clinton as newest Audio-Animatronics® figure and first living president to record a speaking role.
New staging of American Adventure with state-of-the-art Audio-Animatronics figures, re-recorded audio and updated visual images opened in World Showcase.
Nov. 8, first New Tomorrowland attraction, updated Carousel of Progress, opened.
HIGHLIGHTS
Walt Disney World Co. purchased and presented to The Nature Conservancy 8,500-acre Disney Wilderness Preserve near Osceola-Polk County line.
“Home Improvement” came to Disney-MGM Studios as a segment of ABC-TV’s popular series, was added to the SuperStar Television attraction.
In December, Epcot introduced “Splashtacular” show -- colorful costumed dancers, magical music and fabulous fountains spraying water 150 feet high -- all controlled by Mickey Mouse.
In December, the world’s most popular doll came to life at Epcot in “The Magical World of Barbie.”
ANNUAL EVENTS
Feb. 22-23,Pleasure Island 3rd annual Mardi Gras celebration.
In September, Night of Joy celebrated tenth anniversary with guest artists Steven Curtis Chapman, Shirley Caesar, 4 HIM, Bruce Carroll and Susan Ashton.
Record $1.1-million purse for Walt Disney World/Oldsmobile Golf Classic; first place Jeff Maggert won $198,000.
Anne Roberts named 1994 ambassador.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Pleasure Island’s “Comic of the Month” kept guests laughing all year long with comedians Richard Belzer, Bobby Collins, Gilbert Gottfried, Allan Havey, Stephanie Hodge, Dom Irrera, Kevin Meany, Larry Miller, Taylor Negron, Brian Regan and Pam Stone at Comedy Warehouse.
March 5-7, celebrities including Johnny Bench, Yogi Berra, Tom Brokaw and Joe DiMaggio joined Bryant Gumbel for the 4th annual Bryant Gumbel/Walt Disney World Celebrity-Amateur Tournament to raise money for the United Negro College Fund.
April 25, Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles celebrated Florida Earth Day at Village Marketplace.
Grammy winner Jon Secada, PM Dawn, Hi-Five and Shai & Shai entertained for Grad Nites performances.
Epcot’s summer salute to Broadway with All-American College Orchestra guest stars Theodore Bikel, Nell Carter, Carol Channing, Marvin Hamlisch, Howard Keel, Carol Lawrence, Hal Linden, Rita Moreno and Joe Williams.
In June, 80 wine makers attended 12th Walt Disney World Wine Festival at Yacht and Beach Club Resort.
Aug. 8, Central Florida’s first International Beer Festival with 49 varieties of beer from 16 countries held at Pleasure Island as a fund-raiser for Orlando PBS station, WMFE-FM.
Epcot hosted “world’s largest field trip” as school children, teachers and chaperones from nine Central Florida counties explored the park’s educational areas for free.
Nov. 18-21, Walt Disney World brought 6,500 disadvantaged children from around the world to Mickey’s Worldwide Kids Party. A one-hour NBC-TV special, “Disney’s Countdown to Kid’s Day,” capped off the event.
NOTABLE
Walt Disney World store at Orlando International Airport added new decor plus park tickets and hotel reservation service.
New Bonnet Creek golf courses -- Osprey Ridge and Eagle Pines -- rated by GOLF Magazine among ten best new public-access courses in the country.
Disney Culinary Apprenticeship was awarded 1993 Kraft Foodservice Award for “Outstanding Program in the Southeastern Region of the U.S.”
Walt Disney World costume designers Bill Campbell and Doug Enderle won Daytime Emmy Awards “Very Merry Christmas Parade” ABC telecast.
Zagat Hotel Survey of frequent travelers named Grand Floridian Beach Resort “best overall” in Orlando. Resort also earned coveted worldwide Gold Key Award from readers of Meetings and Conventions magazine.
FILM & TV PRODUCTION AT DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS AND RESORT LOCATIONS
April 11, Joan Lunden and Regis Philbin helped the Mouse celebrate the Bunny as hosts of the “Happy Easter Parade.” Teen star Joey Lawrence served as man-on-the-street for the ABC-TV show.
TV shows taping in parks and resorts included “Full House,” “Blossom” and “Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee.” Taping at the Disney-MGM Studios soundstages -- one-hour “Siskel and Ebert” special; Miss Collegiate African-American Pageant; a week of E! entertainment channel’s “Talk Soup”; “Ed McMahon’s Star Search”; “Wheel of Fortune” and “The Mickey Mouse Club.”
CELEBRATED GUESTS
Diana, the Princess of Wales, Princes William and Harry; renowned chef Allen Susser; Ted Koppel; Phil Donahue; John Chancellor; Tom Brokaw; U.S. Senators Sam Nunn and Larry Pressler; children’s rights activist Marian Wright Edelman; models Rachel Hunter and Fabio; Joe DiMaggio; Yogi Berra; Terry Bradshaw; Bill Russell; Mark Rypien; O.J. Simpson; Lynn Swann; Dan Marino; Johnny Bench; Payne Stewart; Hulk Hogan; Michael Jordan; Charles Barkley; Chris Weber; Kyle and Richard Petty; Betty White; Tom Sullivan; Hayley Mills; Cindy Williams; Angela Bassett; Milton Berle; Sid Caesar; Marlo Thomas; Dick Clark; Ed McMahon; The Rippingtons; Peter Graves; John Stamos; Greg Kinnear; Susan Lucci; Sean Astin; Howard Hesseman; Jane Seymour; Brian Austin Green; Pam Stone; Steven Curtis Chapman; Chris Sarandon; Charley Pride; Sinbad; Sylvester Stallone; Arnold Schwarzenegger; “What’s Next” guests Troy Aikman, Patrick Roy.
1994
OPENINGS
In May, Phase One (Surf’s Up) of the All-Star Sports Resort opened followed by one new building opening each month until grand opening celebration in September.
May 28, Wilderness Lodge opened -- special dedication in June with special guest Smokey Bear.
June 1, “Mickey Mania” parade, zany salute to everything Mickey, premiered in Magic Kingdom.
June 12, 1,500-seat “Theater of the Stars” on Sunset Boulevard opened with popular “Beauty and the
Beast- Live on Stage” at Disney-MGM Studios.
In July, WDI virtual reality lab opened in Innoventions at Epcot, testing “Aladdin’s Magic Carpet” experience. Other openings: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ at Disney-MGM Studios and “Legend of the Lion King” on stage in Magic Kingdom.
In September, Polynesian Resort opened three-story concierge building.
In October, Innoventions official opening featured Bill Nye The Science Guy and CEOs of participating exhibitors -- Apple Computers’ IDEA display, AT&T, Discover Magazine Awards for Technological Innovation, Doctor Digital MIDI keyboard show, Eclectronics, General Electric, General Motors Corp., Hammacher Schlemmer, Honeywell’s Comfortville, IBM’s Think Place, LEGO Dacta, Masco Corporation’s Magic House Tour, Sega of America, Videonics.
In November, Oracle Information Super Highway exhibit at Epcot Innoventions opened.
Holiday preview at Epcot introduced “Honey, I Shrunk the Audience” with 3-D film and special effects.
In December, The Timekeeper opened with a Circle-Vision 360 film with Audio-Animatronics hosts at Magic Kingdom.
Dec. 17, Planet Hollywood celebrity opening at Pleasure Island included: Sylvester Stallone, Demi Moore, Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Cindy Crawford, Roseanne, Jean Claude Van Damme, David Hasselhoff, Rosie O’Donnell, Wesley Snipes, Carol Alt, Hulk Hogan, Luke Perry, Maria Shriver, Jon Stewart, Jonathan Brandis, Dan Cortese, Chris O’Donnell, Charlie Sheen, Don Johnson, Melanie Griffith, Joey Lawrence, Kenny G, Steven Seagal, Patrick Swayze, Pauly Shore, Andre Agassi.
HIGHLIGHTS
In May, The Land pavilion at Epcot reopened with new look and updated attractions -- Living with the Land and Food Rocks.
In September, Disney information stop at Ocala, Fla., became Disney-AAA Travel Center, offering visitors one-stop travel shopping en route to Walt Disney World Resort.
Nov. 17-19, 400 children and chaperones from across the nation celebrated 90th anniversary of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America and Disney’s Kids’ Day at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.
Dec. 16, Epcot’s signature icon, Spaceship Earth, previewed its new production.
Dec. 17, Snow White’s Adventures reopened in Magic Kingdom with Snow White appearing in new scenes for first time.
ANNUAL EVENTS
Feb. 25-28, Pleasure Island hosted fifth annual Mardi Gras party featuring parades, concerts and a sizzling array of spicy Cajun and Creole foods.
April 29-June 5, spectacular displays of plants and flowers added for inaugural Epcot International
Flower & Garden Festival.
In May, Pleasure Island celebrated fifth birthday with special musical guests and events. Grad Nite at Magic Kingdom featured Zhane, Groove Thang, MC Lyte, Hi-Five, Xscape, Tag Team.
Susan Geiger, Natasha Harvey, Christopher Hurt, Erin Ramsey, Michelle Reynolds, Robert Sias, Winifred Whitehouse, Rhonda Anderson and Shelby Fronzaglia were selected for the 1995 ambassador team.
July 14-16, 13th Walt Disney World Wine Festival featured wines of 75 winemakers and food prepared by Disney’s top chefs at Yacht and Beach Club Convention Center.
Aug. 20, fifth annual Discover Magazine Awards for Technological Innovation held for the first time at Epcot Innoventions.
In September, four Nights of Joy featured DC Talk, Twila Paris, Geoff Moore & The Distance, The Richard Smallwood Singers, Point of Grace and White Heart. Contemporary Christian Music Week included rallies, workshops and seminars plus inaugural America’s Christian Music Awards show from Disney-MGM Studios.
Sept. 8-11, Official Disneyana Convention held at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Oct. 5, University High School instructor Robert Catto won top Walt Disney World Teacherrific Award, among 77 honors totaling $200,000 presented at Epcot to Central Florida educators and schools.
Oct. 13-15, Pleasure Island staged second Jazz Festival featuring Chuck Mangione, Hiroshima, Acoustic Alchemy, David Benoit, Special EFX and Boney James.
Disney-MGM Studios provided tricky Halloween treat: the 130-foot-tall Earffel Tower was turned into a ghost-like “Fearful” tower.
Nov. 5-6, more than 80 artists from around the world exhibited at Disney’s Teddy Bear and Doll Convention held at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Nov. 11-13, twentieth Festival of the Masters art show at Disney Village Marketplace featured more than 200 award-winning artists with works in nine categories.
Epcot began new “Holidays Around the World” with storytellers, traditional holiday menus, international gift givers, new “Holiday IllumiNations” light, laser and fireworks show and two weeks of Disney’s Candlelight Processional at America Gardens Theatre. Candlelight narrators included Phylicia Rashad, Robert Guillaume and Robert Urich.
Other special Christmas events: “Jolly Holidays” dinner shows at Contemporary Resort, “Glory and Pageantry of Christmas” at Disney Village Marketplace, Olympic silver medal-winning figure skater Nancy Kerrigan at Disney-MGM Studios and snowy streets for “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties” in Magic Kingdom.
New Year’s Eve entertainment: Buster Poindexter, Fleetwood Mac, Peabo Bryson, Marshall Tucker Band at Pleasure Island; Flash Cadillac, The Turtles, “Mike Harvey’s Super Gold New Year’s Eve” at Disney-MGM Studios; Papa Doo Run Run at Magic Kingdom; four international New Year’s celebrations in Epcot.
SPECIAL EVENTS
In January, whimsical Energy Service Headquarters building designed by Robert Venturi for Reedy Creek Improvement Districtopened near Caribbean Beach Resort.
In September, Mary Smith of Decatur, Ill., at Walt Disney World Resort became 1-billionth guest to visit a Disney theme park. She and her family were honored at Walt Disney World then “FedExed” to Disneyland to be grand marshals in afternoon parade.
Music legend Della Reese kicked off the Epcot summer musical salute to Duke Ellington. As part of the “Ellington Under the Stars” salute, an Ellington exhibition from the Smithsonian was presented at American Adventure. Other guest performers included: Diane Schuur, Rosemary Clooney, Mercer Ellington, Billy Taylor, Joe Williams and Lionel Hampton.
Other mid-year fun: summer street parties were held nightly on New York Street at Disney-MGM Studios. Pleasure Island was home of the sights, sounds and tastes of the Caribbean all summer long as the complex celebrated “Hot Island Nights.”
Sept. 22-25, thousands of Barbie enthusiasts gathered at the Contemporary Resort for the first Mattel-sponsored collectors’ convention.
Oct. 1, Alan Alda, Howard Cosell, Barry Diller, Fred Friendly, Bill Hanna & Joseph Barbera and Oprah Winfrey were inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame at Disney-MGM Studios and the Yacht and Beach Club Convention Center.
Nov. 13-15, Pleasure Island hosted the “Quest for the Best Bartender in America” competition finals at Mannequins Dance Palace.
NOTABLE
Epcot became America’s largest classroom with free park admission for public and private teachers in grades K-12 as a spur to innovation in teaching.
Walt Disney World Resort was honored with Recognition of Excellence (Rex) Award by ASTA Agency Management magazine category for fourth consecutive year in the leisure attractions/theme parks category.
Grand Floridian Beach Resort and Yacht and Beach Club Resorts received Pinnacle Award for superior quality and service to the group and convention market.
FILM & TV PRODUCTION AT DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS AND RESORT LOCATIONS
January-June,Hulk Hogan filming “Thunder in Paradise” throughout resort.
March 5-8, “Wheel of Fortune” spent Spring Break at Disney-MGM Studios, taping 20 episodes.
April 3, “General Hospital” star Antonio Sabato Jr. teamed with Joan Lunden and Regis Philbin for tenth annual “Walt Disney World Happy Easter Parade.”
Mouseketeers from The Disney Channel’s “Mickey Mouse Club” taped sixth and seventh seasons.
“Ed McMahon’s Star Search” returned for third season of taping at Disney-MGM Studios.
Labor Day weekend, all 50 Miss America Pageant contestants visited Walt Disney World Resort to tape segments aired during the Sept. 17 pageant.
Clementine Beach at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground became home to “MTV SandBlast.”
Sept. 23-25, “King of the Beach” Volleyball Invitational taped at Grand Floridian Beach Resort.
Nov. 1-2, World Championship Wrestling returned to Disney-MGM Studios to tape another season of “WCW Worldwide Show.”
Jonathan Taylor Thomas of “Home Improvement” hosted “Disney Christmas Parade” on ABC-TV.
Other production included: the United Cerebral Palsy telethon; “Walt Disney World Inside Out”; “Globetrotters at Walt Disney World”; “That’s My Dog”; “Star Search”; NBC “Today”; “Fortune Hunter” episodes; an “All My Children” episode; “Talk Soup” episodes; “Newz” pilot; “ABC Christmas Special”; and commercials for Montgomery Ward, Ray Ban, Builder’s Square and Kentucky Fried Chicken.
SPORTS
Jan. 16, inaugural Walt Disney World Marathon ran through all three Disney theme parks and past many Walt Disney World resort hotels. More than 12,000 runners participated. Winners were: Leonid Shetsov of Russia and Judit Nagi of Hungary.
March 4-6, celebrities in fifth annual Bryant Gumbel/Walt Disney World Celebrity-Am included: O.J. Simpson, Tom Brokaw, Lawrence Taylor, Jeff Daniels, Joe DiMaggio and Emmitt Smith.
April 20-24,NFL’s top 14 signal callers here for 1994 Quarterback Challenge. Winner was Randall Cunningham of Philadelphia Eagles.
April 22, Florida’s best amateur surfers competed on near-perfect waves at Typhoon Lagoon All-Star Invitational.
Mighty Ducks of Anaheim hockey team given ticker-tape parade at Disney-MGM Studios hailing first season of play.
In June, more than 300 Walt Disney World cast members with foreign language skills helped during the Orlando-hosted World Cup Soccer games.
ESPN announced Disney’s BoardWalk will be home to the first ESPN sports club.
Sept. 8-11, more than 50 celebrities joined Charles Barkley for his second annual celebrity golf invitational.
Sept. 9-11, inaugural Walt Disney World Soccer Classic kicked off.
Oct. 6-9, Rick Fehr postponed hernia surgery to play the 1994 Walt Disney World/Oldsmobile Golf Classic and won his first tournament since 1986 -- $198,000.
Dec. 8, Disney-MGM Studios hosted Home Depot College Football Awards, broadcast live on ESPN.
Dec. 9, at Contemporary Resort, tenth annual Butkus Award, recognizing best linebacker of the 1994 college football season.
Golfweek magazine’s ranking of “America’s Best Courses for 1994” listed Walt Disney World Resort as the only facility in the nation to place three of its courses (Magnolia, Palm and Osprey Ridge) on the list.
For the second time, Walt Disney World earned the Gold Medal for golf, awarded by Golf Magazine.
CELEBRATED GUESTS
Rock musicians Eddie Money, Meat Loaf, Billy Joel, Peter Frampton, Phil Collins and Rod Stewart; Olympic stars Nancy Kerrigan, Picabo Street and Mary Lou Retton; pianist Victor Borge; musicians Barbara Mandrell, Tanya Tucker and Amy Grant; “The Lion King” voice stars Robert Guillaume and Ernie Sabella; The Rockettes; jazz musicians and brothers Wynton and Branford Marsalis; ice skater Dorothy Hamill; astronauts Wally Schirra and Scott Carpenter; Fran Drescher; Margaret Cho; Jenna Von Oy; Keisha Knight Pulliam; Judy Collins; Bill Nye The Science Guy; Sid Caesar; Academy Award-winning Disney composer Alan Menken; Smokey Bear; Charlie Sheen; Steve Allen; Scott Weinger; basketball stars Tree Rollins, Keith Tower, Anthony Bowie, Dennis Byrd, Isaiah Thomas and Jon Salley; Moon, Ahmet and Dweezil Zappa; Ivana Trump; Miss America 1995 Heather Whitestone; scores of celebrities for the Planet Hollywood opening (including Sylvester Stallone, Demi Moore, Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger) and celebrities attending the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Other celebrities: Audrey Meadows; Chuck Mangione; Liz Torres; Nichelle Nichols; John Denver; Jessie Colin Young; Jack Jones; Susan Anton; Arturo Sandoval; Brad Maule; Jo Jo Starbuck; Chris Mills; Mitch Richmond; Bob James; Steve Wariner; Ronnie McDowell; Daisy Fuentes; Bill Bellamy; Tia & Tamera Mowry; Tony Dorsett; Tatyana M. Ali; Mel Harris; Greg Evigan; David & Linda Foster; Jon Lindstrom; Andre Harrell; Joe Marcell; Jayne Meadows; Oscar De La Hoya; Jose Luis Rodriguez; Kimberly Aiken; Bryan Trottier; Soleil Moon Frye; Billy Porter; Sam Harris; Adam Curry; Cathy Rigby; “What’s Next” guests Emmitt Smith, Nancy Kerrigan.
1995
OPENINGS
February: Epcot’s signature icon, Spaceship Earth, re-opened with 15 new scenes, dazzling special effects, new narration by Jeremy Irons, and the AT&T Global Neighborhood exhibit. Epcot’s Innoventions added virtual reality visit to Rome’s Basilica of St. Peter plus new “AT&T Home and Office of the Future,” enlarged Apple Computers exhibit and Motorola’s “Ride the Information Skyway.” Honeywell’s new “House of Innovention” opened as walk-through attraction.
February: dedication of “Honey, I Shrunk the Audience” 3-D film at the Imagination pavilion in Future World by stars Rick Moranis, Marcia Strassman and Eric Idle.
In June, New Tomorrowland dedicated, featuring The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter, The Timekeeper (Circle-Vision 360 time-travel adventure), Astro Orbiter, Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress and a new pre-show for Space Mountain (Federal Express).
July 15, Disney’s Fairy Tale Wedding Pavilion opened on private island near the Grand Floridian Beach Resort. Pre-opening-day wedding televised live on LIFETIME network in June.
Disney-MGM Studios opened live stage show, “The Spirit of Pocahontas,” featuring Grandmother Willow and other characters from new film.
Nov. 22, “Toy Story Parade” premiered at Disney-MGM Studios; “Ace Ventura On Location” added daily entertainment on New York Street set.
HIGHLIGHTS
“Circle of Life,” dramatic new environmental motion picture, replaced “Symbiosis” at The Land Harvest Theater, featuring characters from Disney animation classic, “The Lion King.”
At Disney-MGM Studios a new ending to The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ with three 13-story drops.
In February, Destination Disneyvisitor center opened at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.
ANNUAL EVENTS
Feb. 25-28, Pleasure Island had biggest Mardi Gras party outside New Orleans.
Disney-MGM Studios’ Father’s Day with TV stars and “Home Improvement” Tool Time parade. Mother’s Day featured family photos, TV star Kathie Lee Gifford and children’s choirs.
April 28-June 4, second annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival featured 30 million blossoms, 5,000-square-foot floral “painting.”
April 29, “Academy Awards of Science,” Discover Magazine Awards for Technological Innovation, presented at Epcot America Gardens Theatre. Among presenters: movie critic Gene Siskel, astronauts Wally Schirra and Story Musgrave, Secretary of Energy Hazel O’Leary and champion auto racer Janet Guthrie.
Summer concerts at Epcot featured Disney-Grammy All America College Jazz Band in salute to America’s music -- performers: Eartha Kitt, Diane Reeves, Diane Schuur, Joe Williams, Ramsey Lewis, Jack Jones, Leslie Uggams, Toni Tennille, Marilyn McCoo, Maureen McGovern and Rosemary Clooney.
Sept. 6-10, more than 2,300 collectors of Disney art and memorabilia attended fifth Official Disneyana Convention at Contemporary Resort. Magic Kingdom Dumbo car sold for $30,000.
Sept. 8, 9 and 15, multi-Grammy Award-winner Steven Curtis Chapman and Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year Carman topped 13th annual Night of Joy. Other acts: Shirley Caesar, Point of Grace, Audio Adrenaline and East to West.
Oct. 12-15, Pleasure Island’s third annual Jazz Fest included Doug Cameron, Paul Howards, Urban Knights, Pieces of a Dream, Richard Elliott, CitiHeat, Kilauea, Spyro Gyra, George Tandy, Dave Valentin and Chuck Mangione.
Keith Smith, Sara Jones, Darren Chiappetta and Gayle Stevens selected for the 1996 ambassador team.
Nov. 2-5, eighth annual Walt Disney World Teddy Bear and Doll Convention.
Nov. 10-12, the 20th annual Festival of the Masters exhibited 200 artists in the Southeast’s most prestigious outdoor art event, at Village Marketplace.
Holiday happenings included sevenChristmas parties at Magic Kingdom and daily “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parades.” Disney-MGM Studios introduced Jennings Osborne family displays of two million Christmas lights made famous when Osborne’s Little Rock, Ark., neighbors complained it was too spectacular. At Epcot, nightly performances of Candlelight Processional with 400-voice choirs and guest narrators E.G. Marshall, Peter Graves and Phylicia Rashad.
SPECIAL EVENTS
In January, Magic Kingdom inaugurated “Mickey’s Magical Birthday Bash” and staged Main Street, U.S.A. Hometown Celebrations.
Biggest kite festival in North American history, Epcot World Festival of Kites featured world’s largest and smallest kites, plus hundreds of other unusual high flyers.
Sept. 8-10, Pleasure Island hosted first Latin Festival, Noches de Ritmo Latino, a three-day celebration of Latin music, featuring Roberto Perera, Carlos Oliva, The Barrio Boyzz and Roy Ruiz.
The Living Seas at Epcot instituted three new programs: overnight adventure for children ages 7 to 11, participants sleep on observation deck in SeaBase Alpha; Dolphin Exploration and Education Program (DEEP), three-hour program for guests to participate in actual scientific dolphin research; DiveQuest,
2 ½-hour program allowing guests to scuba dive in attraction’s 6-million-gallon saltwater tank, home to sharks, sea turtles, eagle rays and 60 other varieties of sea life.
The 1943 Best Picture Academy Award for “Casablanca” displayed at Disney-MGM Studios before going on auction block.
NOTABLE
Plans unveiled for fourth major Walt Disney World theme park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Walt Disney Chairman Michael D. Eisner also announced expansion of Disney Village shopping, dining, nightclub area, renamed Downtown Disney.
Grand Floridian Beach Resort ranked among nation’s top 100 resorts by Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice, poll of 30,000 magazine’s readers.
Wilderness Lodge recognized with grand prize for Excellence in Hospitality Design in the lobby/reception category at 14th annual Gold Key Awards by International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Association.
Howard Johnson Resort Hotel and the Guest Quarter Suites Hotel in Walt Disney World Hotel Plaza changed names to Courtyard by Marriott and Doubletree Guest Suite Resort, respectively.
FILM & TV PRODUCTION AT DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS AND RESORT LOCATIONS
In March,“Family Matters” taped two half-hour episodes throughout the resort. Other tapings included “Barbara Walters TV Special”; “Regis & Kathie Lee Mothers’ Day Special”; “Walt Disney World Happy Easter Parade” with Joan Lunden and Regis Philbin; Siskel & Ebert Oscar Special; “SeaQuest”; Rosemary Clooney Tribute; “Later Today”; “Marvin’s Room”; ESPN TIMBERSPORTS Special; WCW Wrestling; Cheerleading Champ; Quarterback Challenge; “Extremely Weird” for NBC.
Fifty contestants for Miss America 1996 at Walt Disney World over Labor Day weekend to tape segments of a show to be aired during the pageant in Atlantic City on NBC-TV.
Other production included: United Cerebral Palsy telethon, episodes of “Thunder in Paradise,” a Pepsi commercial with Shaquille O’Neil, two “Weddings of a Lifetime” television specials, the Miss Collegiate African-American Pageant and STOMP!, the final season of “Mickey Mouse Club,” “Walt Disney World Inside Out,” episodes of “Fortune Hunter,” “MTV SandBlast,” and “Disney’s Sing me a Story with Belle.”
13th annual nationwide telecast of “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade” aired on ABC-TV with Joan Lunden and Regis Philbin as hosts.
SPORTS
Jan. 8, more than 6,000 runners competed in second annual Walt Disney World Marathon presented by HealthSouth. The 26.2-mile course ran through all three major Disney entertainment parks, with Leonid Shvetsov of Russia finishing first overall for the second consecutive year. Judit Nagy of Hungary repeated as the women’s overall winner.
In January, HealthSouth Inaugural LPGA Invitational golf tournament won by Pat Bradley.
March 3-5, United Negro College Fund’s Bryant Gumbel Walt Disney World Celebrity-Am Golf Tournament staged. Among celebrities: Joe DiMaggio, Joe Pesci, Lawrence Taylor, Tom Brokaw, Jeff Daniels, Steve Bartkowski, Yogi Berra, Sen. Sam Nunn, Emmit Smith.
April 22, Philadelphia’s Randall Cunningham won NFL Quarterback Challenge for second time.
Veteran golf pro Brad Bryant won 25th annual Walt Disney World/Oldsmobile Golf Classic.
CELEBRATED GUESTS
Leonard Nimoy; Joey, Matthew and Andy Lawrence of the TV comedy “Blossom”; Pop Singer Boy George performing at Pleasure Island; Corbin Bernsen; Theodore Bikel; Sam Cassell; George Clooney; Joan Collins; Kaitlin Cullum; James Doohan; Whoopi Goldberg; Marvin Hamlisch; Bruce Jenner; Laurie Metcalf; Ann Miller; Joe Namath; Chuck Norris; Charles Osgood; Ben Savage; Vicki Lawrence; Phil Simms; Nancy Sinatra; Jay Thomas; Robert Vaughn; Barbara Walters; Celine Dion; Michael W. Smith; Rebecca St. James; Johnny Cash; Selena; Arturo Sandoval; Charlie Daniels; Chubby Checker; Buffalo Bob; Little Richard; Trisha Yearwood; Waylon Jennings; James Earl Jones; Kathleen Sullivan; Amy Grant; “What’s Next” guests Jerry Rice, Steve Young.
1996
OPENINGS
Feb. 9, unique Disney Institute opened in campus-like setting for vacationers seeking fun and self-enrichment in customized vacation programs from animation and photography to sports, cooking and gardening. Full-service spa. Also groups seeking professional development and team building.
In February, American Film Institute (AFI) Showcase opened at Disney-MGM Studios celebrating 100 years of American filmmaking.
In March, Fulton’s Crab House opened 700-seat seafood restaurant aboard former Empress Lilly Riverboat at Pleasure Island.
In May, Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf opened near Disney’s BoardWalk.
In June, medieval puppets, 19 live performers and elaborate sets developed for “Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame-A Musical Adventure” displayed on-stage at Disney-MGM Studios with music from the latest Disney animated film score by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwarz.
In July, Disney’s BoardWalk -- Inn, Villas and entertainment center -- major restaurants and nightspots along the Crescent Lake boardwalk. The rousing ESPN Club restaurant, sports bar and multi-media entertainment center was a special feature.
In summer, Rainforest Cafe, an environmentally friendly, 450-seat restaurant/retail emporium, opened at the Marketplace with cascading waterfalls, exploding volcano, jungle animal figures.
On Oct. 1, First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, Roy E. Disney and Michael D. Eisner, in front of Cinderella Castle transformed into giant pink birthday cake, kicked off a 16-month-long 25th Anniversary celebration. Thepremiere included 2,000-member marching band, 2,500 underprivileged children from Boys and Girls Clubs of America and inaugural of the 25th Anniversary parade with “stop-action” street performances featuring music and stars of some of Disney’s most famous films.
In October, Mickey’s Toontown Fair (replacing Mickey’s Starland) added Minnie’s House, character greeting areas, Goofy’s Wiseacres Farm, and Barnstormer flying-machine roller coaster; Grand Floridian Spa opened with world-class facilities for health and beauty; World of Disney super-storeat Downtown Disney Marketplace, the world’s largest Disney character merchandise store.
In November, the 24th annual Inventor’s Exposition and Conference was held at Epcot by the U.S. Commerce Department’s Patent and Trademark Office, Intellectual Property Owners (IPO).
ANNUAL EVENTS
April 19-June 2, the third annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival featured new topiary characters and gardening experts.
Pleasure Island’s sixth annual Mardi Gras starred The Krewe of Caesar, an authentic New Orleans parade group.
Tim Allen’s “sons” from the hit TV series joined the “Home Improvement Parade” for annual Father’s Day celebration at Disney-MGM Studios. Zachary Ty Bryan and Taran Noah Smith helped judge a “Tim Taylor look-alike” contest.
Aug. 25-Oct. 6, Disney’s Animation Celebration staged at Disney-MGM Studios with special screenings, tours, interactive animation encounters and all-day character dining.
Sept. 3-7, fifth annual Disneyana Convention at Contemporary Resort and Grand Floridian Beach Resort.
Sept. 28-Oct. 27, Epcot International Food and Wine Festival featured food and wine samplings, cooking demonstrations, cultural entertainment.
In October, Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ (ATAS) Hall of Fame ceremonies at Disney-MGM Studios honored Edward Asner, Steven Bochco, Charles Kuralt, Angela Lansbury, Aaron Spelling, Lew R. Wasserman and the producing team of Marcy Carsey and Tom Werner. Hall of Fame Plaza at the studios added five new busts -- Dick Clark, Phil Donahue, Bob Newhart, David Wolper and Perry Como.
In November, the 21st annual Festival of the Masters held at Downtown Disney Marketplace.
Ninth annual Teddy Bear and Doll Convention at Epcot and Contemporary Resort.
Holiday celebrations included “Lights, Camera, Christmas at Disney-MGM Studios” with famous Osborne Family Light Display of 3 million lights; “Jolly Holidays Dinner Show” at Contemporary Resort; Epcot Holidays Around the World and Candlelight Processionals with narrators Buzz Aldrin, Barbara Eden, Ed Asner, Louis Gossett Jr., Miss America Tara Dawn Holland and Sandi Patty; seven “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties” in Magic Kingdom.
SPECIAL EVENTS
In October, ABC Super Soap Weekend at Disney-MGM Studios attracted stars from “All My Children,” “One Life to Live,” “General Hospital” and “The City.”
Magic Kingdom staged “Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.”
Backstage Pass to 101 Dalmatians celebrated Disney’s latest live-action film at Disney-MGM Studios.
notable
Spectacular new production for Universe of Energy opened in Future World with narration by TV’s Ellen DeGeneres and Bill Nye The Science Guy.
25th Anniversary Welcome Center opened in Magic Kingdom’s Town Square as part of a salute to 100 million past Walt Disney World visitors.
Epcot introduced nightly “IllumiNations 25”fountain/fireworks spectacle.
Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, Grand Floridian Beach Resort and its Victoria & Albert’s restaurant received 1996 Four Diamond Awards from the American Automobile Association of Florida.
Disney Vacation Club changed name of Walt Disney World location to Disney’s Old Key West Resort to distinguish it from other clubs at Vero Beach, Hilton Head Island and Disney’s BoardWalk.
Villas at Disney Institute selected by Conde Nast Traveler magazine readers to 1996 gold list of best places to stay in the world.
Readers of Travel & Leisure magazine ranked Grand Floridian Beach Resort as the third best hotel in North America.
Golf Magazine rated Walt Disney World among 15 best resorts in America for third straight year.
Disney Cruise Line announced its first ship, Disney Magic, would sail in 1998.
FILM & TV PRODUCTION AT DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS AND RESORT LOCATIONS
“Tarzan-The Epic” began tapings of TV series.
April 7, 12th annual “Happy Easter Parade” telecast with hosts Regis Philbin and Joan Lunden, Joey Lawrence and brothers from TV hit “Blossom.”
Other TV shows included “Big Bag”; “Ordinary/Extraordinary”; “Melinda, Disney’s First Lady of Magic”; Scott Hamilton Special; “World’s Funniest Home Videos”; “Step by Step”; “Boy Meets World”; Mel Torme Special, ATAS Hall of Fame Show; Children’s Miracle Network Telethon; WCW Wrestling; “Roseanne” episodes; Siskel and Ebert Oscar Show; NFL Quarterback Challenge.
SPORTS
Jan. 7, third Walt Disney World Marathon presented by HealthSouth ran with 7,500 celebrities and amateur runners on a 26.2-mile course through three theme parks, Blizzard Beach and resorts. Included public FamilyFun Run for the first time. Miguel Upegui of Colombia won the men’s overall and Lyubou Klochko of the Ukraine won women’s overall.
Second annual HealthSouth Inaugural -- first full-field event of theLPGA tournament season -- was won by young sensation Karrie Webb on Lake Buena Vista course.
Jan. 27, inaugural Indy Racing League event, the Indy 200 at Walt Disney World Speedway tri-oval race track near Magic Kingdom, telecast live on ABC Sports, with rookie Buzz Calkins taking the checkered flag.
In April, NFL’s top signal callers competed in annual Quarterback Challenge on Disney’s Palm golf course range, won by Neil O’Donnell. Competitors included Dan Marino, Steve Young, Jim Harbaugh, Drew Bledsoe and Brett Favre.
Celebrity golfers played in Bryant Gumbel Tournament to benefit United Negro College Fund -- all-star list included Oscar Robertson, Joe DiMaggio, Pierre Larouche, Lynn Swann, Alan Thicke and Ed Marinaro.
In July, USA Olympics Basketball men’s and women’s national teams -- including Dream Team stars Shaquille O’Neil, Penny Hardaway and Grant Hill -- trained at new Disney Institute gymnasium.
Walt Disney World/Oldsmobile Golf Classic was won by young phenom Tiger Woods. Top prize $216,000.
CELEBRATED GUESTS
Waylon Jennings; Finnish techno-dance; pop singer Miisa; Bryan Adams; Disney Institute performers and guests: President Bill Clinton, James Earl Jones, Martin Scorsese, Mel Torme, Bill Walton, Gov. Mario Cuomo, Paul Harvey, Brett Favre, Pilobus Dance Theater, Arturo Sandoval, Martha Stewart, Amy Grant, Savion Glover, Gene Siskel, Roger Ebert, Nikki Giovanni, architect Robert A.M. Stern, Andy Garcia, Jack Jones, Bill Taylor, John Gray; “What’s Next” guest Emmitt Smith.
1997
OPENINGS
Disney’s Wide World of Sports opened 200-acre complex of athletic grounds, fieldhouse and 7,500-seat stadium with Atlanta Braves spring training game against Cincinnati Reds. AAU competitions held throughout the year. Also the official training site for Harlem Globetrotters and Atlanta Braves.
In June, Disney-MGM Studios saluted Disney’s 35th animated film with all new “Hercules Zero to Hero Parade.”
Wolfgang Puck Expressopened at Downtown Disney Marketplace in June. In July, AMC Theatres opened with 24 separate motion picture theaters at Downtown Disney Pleasure Island.
In July, ABC Sound Studio opened at Disney-MGM Studios where guests create wacky sound, lighting and theatrical effects for ABC-TV children’s shows.
Aug. 1, Coronado Springs Resort opened as Disney’s newest hotel, with an American Southwest theme, 1,900 rooms and suites situated around a lake.
In September, “Goosebumps HorrorLand Fright Show” based on R.L. Stine’s best-selling stories for teenagers, opened.
In September, Downtown Disney West Side opened with House of Blues, Bongos Cuban Cafe, Wolfgang Puck Cafe, Virgin Megastore, numerous specialty shops.
ANNUAL EVENTS
April 18-June 1, Epcot’s fourth annual International Flower & Garden Festival presented by Southern Living and Sta-Green added new gardens, guest lectures, workshops and flowered topiaries.
In April, FIRST Robotics Competition returned to Epcot with more than 100 professional-led high school teams competing.
In June, VIBE Live! Black Music Month at Pleasure Islandfeatured Run-DMC, Dru Hill, Yvette Michele, Changing Faces, Allure, Tracey Lee and Christion.
In September, Magic Kingdom’s 15th annual Night of Joy starred Steven Curtis Chapman, Jars of Clay and Anointed.
Other fall events included Epcot International Food and Wine Festival Oct. 25-Nov. 23; Pleasure Island Jazz Fest Oct. 9-11; Festival of the Masters at the Marketplace Nov. 14-16; 10th Annual Teddy Bear and Doll Convention Nov. 6-9 at Contemporary Resort and Epcot; ABC Super Soap Weekend Nov. 8-9 at Disney MGM-Studios.
Disney’s Magical Holidays included: Spectacle of Lights at Disney-MGM Studios, with the Osborne Family Light Display; Holidays Around the World at Epcot with nightly Candlelight Processional; “Jolly Holidays Dinner Show” at Contemporary Resort; and seven “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties” in Magic Kingdom.
SPECIAL EVENTS
In January, First-Ever Photo Fest at Disney Institute presented by Nikon photographers.
In January, 25th Anniversary Magical Memories Tour with Mad Hatter visited Florida cities, then toured 21 other U.S. cities in the spring.
In February, African-American Musical Experience was staged with jazz, gospel choir and dance competitions at Epcot.
In March, Disney MGM-Studiosfeatured Star Wars Weekends celebrating 20th anniversary of the sci-fi movie classic.
In July, Space Week at Epcot celebrated the 28th anniversary of man’s first landing on the moon with special presentations in Future World.
In August, Drum Corps International staged its “25th Anniversary Championship Parade” around World Showcase Lagoon at Epcot.
NOTABLE
25th Anniversary Party, extended throughout 1997 until Jan. 31, 1998, added even more entertainment and features for returning guests.
FILM & TV PRODUCTION AT DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS AND RESORT LOCATIONS
In February, HBO’s “From the Earth to the Moon” began shooting 13-part TV drama at Disney-MGM Studios with two-time Academy Award winner Tom Hanks as executive producer. ABC-TV 25th Anniversary Special featuring Michael J. Fox, Rosie O’Donnell, Drew Carey, Donna Summer and the Village People aired.
In March, Big Bang series of country, rock and pop music radio specials from Pleasure Island, Disney Institute and Disney’s BoardWalk began taping. Syndicated nationwide by National Music Critics Assn. and Premiere Radio Networks, it reached more than 800,000 listeners with LeAnn Rimes Special. Other guests included Trisha Yearwood, Kathy Mattea, World Party, Matthew Sweet, Duncan Sheik, Abra Moore.
SPORTS
Jan. 3-5, fourth annual Walt Disney World Marathon presented by HealthSouth included 26.2 mile run through parks, Blizzard Beach and around Walt Disney World Speedway plus FamilyFun Magazine 5K run and competition for all ages. Masters runner Dick Hooper of Ireland was overall men’s winner; Larisa Zyuzko of Russia was women’s overall champion.
Jan. 17-19, Ladies Professional Golf Association HealthSouth Inaugural on the Lake Buena Vista course, won by Michelle McGann.
Jan. 19, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series staged the Chevy Trucks Challenge at Walt Disney World Speedway with $450,000 in prize money. Joe Ruttman grabbed the lead on final lap to win.
Jan. 23-25, second running of the Indy 200 at Walt Disney World Speedway presented by Aurorafeatured the brand new Indy Racing League formula cars. Eddie Cheever Jr. claimed victory.
In April, Michael Chang and MaliVai Washington headlined tennis stars for the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex. Chang captured title.
April 19, third annual Nike Hoop Summit for high school senior boys basketball players was first event in the fieldhouse at Disney’s Wide World of Sports. Event showcases U.S. top high school senior boys basketball players competing against team of top teen-age players from around the world.
April 22-27, Disney’s Wide World of Sports hosted US National Wrestling Championships in its 5,000-seat fieldhouse.
Eighth annual Bryant Gumbel/Walt Disney World Celebrity Golf Tournament won by basketball’s Happy Hairston raised $650,00 for United Negro College Fund.
In April, top NFL Quarterbacks in FootAction USA NFL Quarterback Challenge included Neil O’Donnell, Brett Farve, Drew Bledsoe, Dan Marino and Mark Brunell, held for the first time at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex.
Other Wide World of Sports events included USA Junior Olympic Boys and Girls National Gymnastics Championships in May; USA Trampoline & Tumbling National Championships in June; 1997 Sunshine State Games Track & Field Championships in July; US Gymnastics National Gymfest, Kick-off Classic for high school footballers, the 64-team AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour and a special Youth Turn Back the Clock Baseball Event where youngsters wore 19th century baseball gear in August; and Basketball Hall of Fame Parent/Child Clinicin September.
CELEBRATED GUESTS
Bob Hope; John Denver; Alan Jackson; Chynna Phillips; Michael Johnson; Shirley Rodman; Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen; Gary Sinise; Gary Sheffield; Waylon Jennings; Dixie Carter; Dennis Miller; Judith Light; Jim Jackson; Elizabeth McGovern; David Kelsey; Ernie Hudson; Anita Baker; Louis Gossett Jr.; Barry Bonds; Sam Horrigan; Sandy Duncan; Grammy Award-winning country music stars Kathy Mattea, Travis Tritt and The Marshall Tucker Band; Disney Institute performers & guests: Moe Williams; Martha Stewart; adventure photographer Bob Krist; Marcus Roberts; Penny Hardaway; Jean-Michel Cousteau; Trisha Yearwood;“What’s Next” guest Desmond Howard.
Star Today appearances: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar; Jason Alexander; Kevin Anderson; Loni Anderson; Ed Asner; Kevin Bacon; Tyra Banks; Carl Barks; Christie Brinkley; Peabo Bryson; Betty Buckley; Richard Burgi; LeVar Burton; Drew Carey; Carol Channing; George Carlin; David James Channing; David Copperfield; Linda Dano; John Davidson; Tara Dawn (Miss America); Elisa Donavan; Sandy Duncan; Kenny Edmonds; Susan Egan; Jenna Elfman; Elvira; Julius Erving; Erik Estrada; Teri Garr; Deidre Hall; Kadeem Hardison; Mark Harmon; Mariette Hartley; Chris Isaak; Shirley Jones; Laura Koffman; Tara Lipinski; Ralph Macchio; Peter Marshall; Richard Marx; Melba Moore; The Moffetts; Wayne Newton; Marie Osmond; Jack Palance; Lee Ann Rimes; John Schneider; Peter Scolari; Lane Smith; Dick Van Patten; Marlon Wayans; Walt Willey; Bruce Young.
1998
OPENINGS
In February, the Official All-Star Cafe opened at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.
In March, the new Wilderness Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground began offering accommodations.
In April, “The Enchanted Tiki Room-Under New Management” opened in Adventureland, replacing “The Enchanted Tiki Birds.”
In April, the new Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida building opened at Disney-MGM Studios, a 200,000-square-foot facility housing more than 400 animation artists and support staff.
The fourth theme park at Walt Disney World Resort, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, opened April 22.
In May and June, two new clubs opened at Pleasure Island: Wildhorse Saloon, featuring country music and dance, and BET SoundStage Club, with the latest hip-hop music.
In June, DisneyQuest, with five floors of virtual adventures, opened at Downtown Disney West Side.
In June, the “Mulan” parade, inspired by the hit animated film “Mulan,” premiered at Disney-MGM Studios.
On July 30, Disney Cruise Line launched its first ship, the Disney Magic.
In October, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin opened in Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom.
In October, “Fantasmic!” premiered at Disney-MGM Studios.
At the Polynesian Resort, the new Kona Cafe restaurant opened in November.
ANNUAL EVENTS
In February, Black History Month was celebrated across Walt Disney World Resort.
In April, the sixth annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival showcased more than a million blooms.
“Disney’s Easter Parade” was April 11 and April 12, broadcast on television on April 12.
In September, the 16th annual Night of Joy was held in Magic Kingdom.
In September, Latin Rhythm Nights was celebrated at Pleasure Island.
The annual Disneyana Convention was Sept. 5-11 at the Contemporary Resort.
The Pleasure Island Jazz Festival was in October.
Also in October, the third annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival opened at Epcot.
At Downtown Disney, Festival of the Masters art show was held in November.
In November, the Spectacle of Lights debuted for the holiday season at Disney-MGM Studios. Also at the studios in November, the third annual ABC Super Soap Weekend hosted stars of hit ABC daytime dramas.
The Teddy Bear and Doll Convention convened in November at the Contemporary Resort and Epcot.
In December, “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party” was celebrated in Magic Kingdom. At Epcot, the annual Candlelight Processional retold the Christmas story to capacity crowds at America Gardens Theatre.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Disney-MGM Studios welcomed its 600-millionth guest, 9-year-old Jacqueline D’Ambrosi of Woodcliff Lake, N.J.
NOTABLE
On Sept. 8, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride closed as a Fantasyland attraction.
FILM & TV PRODUCTION AT DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS AND RESORT LOCATIONS
“Instinct”; “Mortal Kombat”; “Petsburgh USA”; Disney Channel productions including an ‘N Sync concert and the Disney Channel Holiday Concert Special; Pay-Per-View concert specials with Trish Yearwood at Magic Kingdom and Wynonna Judd at Disney-MGM Studios; “Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom; Home & Garden Television prime-time special on the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival; fitness superstar Denise Austin’s Lifetime Television series aboard the Disney Magic; Miss America pageant prime-time segments; ABC-TV “Easter Parade”; “The Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Parade” on ABC-TV.
SPORTS
In January, runners followed a 26.2-mile course across Walt Disney World Resort in the fifth annual Walt Disney World Marathon. Men’s winner was Santiago Francisco de Araujo of Brazil; women’s champion was Ukrainian Luybov Klochko.
January also was the third running of the Indy 200 at Walt Disney World Speedway. Tony Stewart won the race.
In February and March, the Atlanta Braves had their first full season of spring training at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.
In April, the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships were at Disney’s Wide World of Sports. Jim Courier won the tournament.
In May, top NFL quarterbacks participated in the FootAction USA NFL Quarterback Challenge at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.
In July, the Major League Soccer All-Star Weekend was held at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.
In November, Disney hosted the Major League Baseball Players’ Choice Awards.
In October, the 28th annual National Car Rental Golf Classic was played on the Palm and Magnolia courses. John Huston, with a 16-under-par 272, collected a winner’s check of $360,000 from a purse of
$2 million. It was Huston’s second victory in the Classic. He earlier won in 1992.
In December, Disney hosted the national Pop Warner Super Bowl for young football players from across the U.S.
In December, Walt Disney World was the site of the College Football Awards.
Also in December, the Harlem Globetrotters Holiday Series was staged at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.
CELEBRATED GUESTS
Michael J. Fox, Drew Carey, Kathy Kinney, Kathie Lee Gifford, Regis Philbin, Frank Gifford, Richard Karn, Joey Lawrence, Pat Benatar, Wynona Judd, Lebo M, Stevie Wonder, Daisy Fuentes, Tara Lipinski, David Copperfield, Mark McEwan, Spencer Christian, Katie Couric, Jane Goodall, Sidney Poitier, Boomer Esiason, Bill Nye, Brent Musburger, Miss America Kate Shindle, Jodi Benson.
Visiting Celebrities, Disney-MGM Studios: Andrea Thompson, Andy Garcia, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Beverly Mitchell, Christina Aguilera, Christine Lahti, David Cassidy, Donny Osmond, Estelle Getty, George Hamilton, Gladys Knight, Howie Mandel, Ian Ziering, Irene Bedard, Jason Marsden, Jay Thomas, Jensen Ackles, Joan Allen, John Landis, Jonathan Lipnicki, Judge Reinhold, Judy Collins, Kevin Bacon, Lacey Chabert, Mandy Patinkin, Marilu Henner, Mario Lopez, Mark Hamill, Maureen McCormick, ‘N Sync, Paula Abdul, Raven, Richard Lee Jackson, Rick Springfield, Steven Collins, Will Wheaton, Will Friedle.
Candlelight Narrators: Phylicia Rashad, Charles Kimbrough, Brian Dennehy, George Hamilton, James McDaniel, Joseph Marcell, Louis Gossett Jr., Deidre Hall, George Kennedy, Miss America Nicole Johnson, Art Garfunkel.
1999
OPENINGS
In January, All-Star Movies Resort opened with 768 rooms.
In January, Cirque du Soleil® opened La Nouba at Downtown Disney West Side.
In March, Winter Summerland miniature golf opened near Blizzard Beach.
In March, “Disney’s Doug Live!” stage show opened at Disney-MGM Studios.
Also in March, Test Track had its official grand opening at Epcot.
In April, “Sounds Dangerous Starring Drew Carey” opened at Disney-MGM Studios.
In May, the “Main Street Electrical Parade” from Disneyland began in Magic Kingdom.
In June, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh opened in Fantasyland.
In June at Disney-MGM Studios, “Bear in the Big Blue House” live stage show opened in Soundstage 5.
In July, Fairy Tale Garden opened in Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom. Characters such as Belle from “Beauty and the Beast” tell short stories throughout the day.
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom in July, “Tarzan Rocks!” debuted, a new stage show described as a rock concert with extreme sports, stunts and dancing.
Also in July, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith opened at Disney-MGM Studios.
In August, Disney Cruise Line launched its second ship, the Disney Wonder.
In September, Tangierine Café opened in Morocco in Epcot World Showcase.
On Oct. 1, Millennium Village, with exhibits from more than 35 countries, opened in Epcot World Showcase. Also that day, “IllumiNations 2000: Reflections of Earth” debuted at Epcot, along with “Tapestry of Nations” street festival. Also opening in World Showcase: a Roots boutique in Canada, a Helly Hansen shop in Norway and Armani in Italy. In Future World, Mouse Gear, a 25,000-square-foot retail shop opened. Also in Future World, Journey Into YourImagination and the Kodak “What If?” Labs opened. And the new and enhanced Innoventions also opened in Future World.
ANNUAL EVENTS
In February, Black History Month was celebrated across Walt Disney World Resort.
In April, the sixth annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival began.
“Disney’s Easter Parade” was April 3 and 4, with a television broadcast on April 4.
In September, the 17th annual Night of Joy was held in Magic Kingdom, and the annual Latin Rhythm Nights was at Downtown Disney Pleasure Island.
The annual Disneyana Convention was Sept. 5-11 at the Contemporary Resort.
In October, the fourth annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival opened.
The Pleasure Island Jazz Festival was in October.
At Downtown Disney, the 20th annual Festival of the Masters art show was held in November.
In November, the Spectacle of Lights debuted for the holiday season at Disney-MGM Studios. Also at the studios in November, the fourth annual ABC Super Soap Weekend hosted stars of hit ABC daytime dramas.
The Teddy Bear and Doll Convention convened in November at the Contemporary Resort and Epcot.
In December: “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party” was celebrated in Magic Kingdom; the annual Candlelight Processional retold the Christmas story to capacity crowds in Epcot.
SPECIAL EVENTS
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, guests could observe the painstaking re-assembly of the excavated bones of “Sue,” the famous Tyrannosaurus rex on loan from Chicago’s Field Museum.
In May, Disney-MGM Studios celebrated its 10th anniversary.
In June, Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance began a 16-week run at America Gardens Theatre at Epcot.
In October, Walt Disney World Resort kicked off the 15-month-long Millennium Celebration.
In November, FASTPASS was introduced in the theme parks, a computerized system designed to cut guests wait in attraction lines.
NOTABLE
On Jan. 10, Horizons in Future World at Epcot officially closed.
On Feb. 15, Magic Kingdom celebrated its 10,000th day of operation, after opening its gates to guests on Oct. 1, 1971.
In March, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ added more drops, changed its drop patterns and enhanced the other special effects.
In April, Discovery Island was officially closed.
On Sept. 14, for the first time in the history of Walt Disney World Resort, all theme parks were closed early to prepare for Hurricane Floyd. On Sept. 15, all theme parks, water parks and recreation areas were closed due to anticipation of Hurricane Floyd’s arrival, but Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened by noon. (Central Florida was spared the brunt of the hurricane.)
In November, the Skyway attraction in Magic Kingdom closed.
In November, the Tomorrowland Speedway was renamed Tomorrowland Indy Speedway.
FILM & TV PRODUCTION AT DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS AND RESORT LOCATIONS
“Mortal Kombat”; “Petsburgh USA”; “Dooley & Pals”; “Donna’s Day”; Disney Channel concert with Britney Spears at Disney-MGM Studios; “Live! With Regis & Kathie Lee” at Disney-MGM Studios; Lifetime Television’s “Weddings of a Lifetime” aboard the Disney Magic; Home & Garden Television prime-time special for Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival; The Food Network prime-time special for Epcot International Food and Wine Festival; VH-1 Top 10 Countdown at Disney-MGM Studios; fitness superstar Denise Austin’s Lifetime Television Series aboard the Disney Magic; Miss America Pageant segments; “The Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Parade” on ABC-TV; E! Entertainment “FYE” at the Walt Disney World Millennium Celebration; ABC 2000 millennium broadcast from across Walt Disney World Resort.
SPORTS
In January, runners followed a 26.2-mile course across Walt Disney World Resort in the fifth annual Walt Disney World Marathon. Santiago Francisco de Araujo of Brazil won the men’s division for the second year in a row; top female finisher was Marina Jones of Rancho Margarita, Calif.
January was the fourth running of the Indy 200 at Walt Disney World Speedway.
In February and March, the Atlanta Braves conducted spring training at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.
In April, top NFL quarterbacks participated in the FootAction USA NFL Quarterback Challenge at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.
In April the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships were at Disney’s Wide World of Sports. Magnus Norman claimed victory.
In October, Disney’s Wide World of Sports hosted more than 12,400 athletes at the 1999 National Senior Games. The competition was the largest senior multisports event in the U.S.
In October, the 29th annual National Car Rental Golf Classic was played on the Palm and Magnolia courses. Tiger Woods won with a 17-under-par 271, by one stroke over Ernie Els. Woods collected a Classic record winner’s check of $450,000 from a record $2.5-million purse. It was Woods’ second Classic win. He also won in 1996.
In December, Disney hosted the Pop Warner Super Bowl for young football teams from across the country.
In December, Disney was the site of the College Football Awards.
Also in December, the Harlem Globetrotters Holiday Series was staged at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.
CELEBRATED GUESTS
Marlee Matlin, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Joey Lawrence, Drew Carey, Kathy Kinney, Buzz Aldrin, Richard Petty, Christie Brinkley, Angie Everhart, model Frederique, Earth Wind & Fire, The Spinners, Star Jones, Lisa Ling, Jodi Benson, Peabo Bryson, Chris Evert, Lebo M, Joe Namath, Pele, Peter MacNicol, Philip Glass, Gordie Howe, Julius Erving, Barry Bostwick, astronaut Dan Barry, Gladys Knight, “What’s Next” guest John Elway.
Visiting Celebrities, Disney-MGM Studios: Olivia Newton-John, Kathy Ireland, Chazz Palminteri, Nicholas Brendan, Walt Willey, 98 Degrees, Tony Bennett, Britney Spears, Susan Sarandon, Marc Davis, Charles Shaughnessy, Ellen Barkin, John Stamos, Rebecca Romijn, Barry Bostwick, Five, Ben Savage,
‘N Sync, LeVar Burton, Michael J. Fox, Cuba Gooding Jr., SheDaisy, Aerosmith, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Youngstown, Nobody’s Angel, Donna Erikson, R.L. Stine, Sela Ward, Susan Lucci.
Candlelight Narrators: Alfre Woodward, Charles Kimbrough, Angela Bassett, Brian Dennehy, Robby Benson, James Avery, Edward James Olmos, James McDaniel, Andy Garcia, Sandi Patty, David Ogden Stiers, LeVar Burton.
2000
OPENINGS
In May, DisneyQuest opened a new hi-tech, virtual reality adventure based on Pirates of the Caribbean.
In June, “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!” re-opened after a six-month refurbishment. Six hundred special guests named Jones attended.
Throughout the year, updates of tomorrow’s technologies were added to Innoventions.
In December: The Villas at Wilderness Lodge opened, aDisney Vacation Club resort inspired by the Old West with 136 one- and-two-room villas adjacent to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge; Agrabah Bazaar in Magic Kingdom opened.
ANNUAL EVENTS
April-June, the seventh annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.
In April, the 29th “Disney’s Easter Parade” entertained a capacity audience on April 22-23 and featured a gigantic chocolate Easter egg.
In May, Disney-MGM Studios staged four Star Wars Weekends withpersonal appearances by: Kenny Baker (“R2-D2”), Peter Mayhew (“Chewbacca”), Jake Lloyd and David Prowse (who played “Darth Vader”) and Jeremy Bulloch (“Boba Fett”).
In June, Black Music Month featured a three-day music fest at Downtown Disney Pleasure Island during Vibe Live 2000. Stars included Tyrese, Blaque, Mobb Deep, Kevon Edmonds, The Roots and Li’l Kim.
In September, a gala Night of Joy in its 18th annual presentation featured top Christian music vocalists including CeCe Winans and Jaci Velasquez.
Halloween saw special decorations and costume events throughout Walt Disney World Resort.
October and November, Epcot Food and Wine Festival added live musical entertainment.
In November, TV soap stars of “All My Children,” “One Life to Live,” “Port Charles” and “General Hospital” enjoyed capacity crowds at ABC Super Soap Weekend inDisney-MGM Studios.
November events also included the 25th annual Festival of the Masters with the addition of “A Taste of Downtown Disney” featuring samplings of favorite menu items at the entertainment area’s top restaurants.
Also in November,the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights returned with five million twinkling lights.
In December, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party added extra excitement and Disney’s Magical Holidays transformed Magic Kingdom each night with dazzling light shows, winter “snow” and special parades. As part of Epcot’s international holiday celebration, Holidays Around the World, the annual Candlelight Processional continued throughout the month. Celebrity narrators included Jodi Benson, Angela Bassett, Ben Vereen, Robert Urich, Phylicia Rashad, Robby Benson and Gary Sinise.
SPECIAL EVENTS
The gala Millennium Celebration expanded and continued with special activities, parades and nighttime spectacles centered in Epcot for the entire year.
In January, Walt Disney World staged an unforgettable half-time show for Super Bowl XXXV in Atlanta incorporating major elements of Epcot’s Millennium parade, “Tapestry of Nations.” In support of its “Tarzan Rocks”musical show, Disney’s Animal Kingdom staged a Tarzan Yelling Contest, which drew enthusiastic young screamers from all over the world.
In May, Epcot took its exciting “Tapestry of Nations” parade to Miami as a major feature of the city’s Carnaval Celebration.
In June, Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance returned for a second brilliant summer run in America Gardens Theatre. Disney Imagineers announced beginning of construction on a forthcoming major Epcot thrill-adventure - Mission: SPACE. And 2,000 very exceptional “children who make a difference” were flown to Walt Disney World from all over the world by Walt Disney Co. and McDonalds to take part in an inspiring Millennium Dreamers weekend of fun.
For July 4th, Disney bakers created a giant red, white and blue American Flag Cobbler with strawberries, blueberries and white batter baked to create Old Glory, gourmet style.
In August, the United Kingdom pavilion in Epcot joined in celebrating the 100th birthday of Britain’s Queen Mum with a five-foot cake shaped like a fancy royal garden hat.
In August, the Disney Magic embarked on her first seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise which included
St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay; Disney Wonder added Grand Bahama island to its itinerary.
A giant hot-air balloon replica of Spaceship Earth with its “2000” logo appendage toured throughout the East in September as part of Disney’s Millennium Celebration.
In November, Victoria & Albert’s at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa became the only restaurant in Central Florida to capture AAA’s coveted Five-Diamond Award.
FILM & TV PRODUCTION AT DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS AND RESORT LOCATIONS
ABC-TV correspondent Deborah Roberts reported from Epcot as part of her network’s historic 24-hour New Year’s Eve telecast to begin the millennium.
In January, ESPN broadcasted for a week from Disney’s BoardWalk during baseball spring training.
In May, “The Rosie O’Donnell Show” telecast a week of shows featuring Rosie’s first Disney vacation, and Oprah Winfrey featured the Millennium Dreamers event on her syndicated show. Summer Jam musical event was televised on ABC-TV.
In June, Children’s Miracle Network aired its telethon hosted by Marie Osmond, John Schneider and Robin Roberts.
In July, Odyssey Network staged “Behind the Music” with Yolanda Adams’ gospel concert at Disney-MGM Studios.
In October, Miss America Pageant participants taped segments for their telecast. The ABC Golf Classic welcomed back winner Tiger Woods.
ABC-TV aired two Christmas Specials from Walt Disney World sites --one hosted by Regis Philbin, the other by ‘N Sync and starred Harry Connick Jr. and James Ingram.
SPORTS
In January, at the bigger-than-ever Walt Disney World Marathon presented by Footlocker,Brazilian Jose Silva bested his countryman Santiago Francisco de Araujo, the two-time defending champion. Jennifer Owens of Stafford, Va., won the women’s division in the first race of her career.
Indy Auto Racing shared the January spotlight. Starting in 22nd position, driver Robbie Buhl passed Eddie Cheever Jr. with just 1½ laps to go to win the fifth (and last of inaugural series) Indy Racing League’s Delphi Indy 200 on the Walt Disney World race track, which is now the venue for the Richard Petty Driving Experience.
The Atlanta Braves returned for their spring training season at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex.
In June, the 2000 U.S. Transplant Games at Disney’s Wide World of Sports staged 13 Olympic-style sports competitions with 2,000 individuals who have received or donated life-saving organs as competitors.
The Harlem Globetrotters played a four-game basketball set at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex over Thanksgiving weekend.
Pro-Golfer Duffy Waldorf surprised tournament leaders Tiger Woods and Steve Flesch with record-tying total of 262 with a birdie on his final hole to capture the National Car Rental Golf Classic with a final round 62.
CELEBRATED GUESTS
Muhammad Ali, quarterback Kurt Warner, Tanya Tucker, Rick Moranis, Jason Alexander, Shirley Jones, Deidre Hall, Sara Ferguson, Ben Savage, Ray Romano, Sinbad, the USA Softball Team, Alan Thicke, Duran Duran, Dennis Miller, Christina Aguilera, Hayley Mills, Pat Sajak, Jon Secada, Susan Lucci, Julie Andrews, Ben Vereen, “What’s Next” guest Kurt Warner.
2001
OPENINGS
In April, Disney-MGM Studios opened “Who Wants to Be A Millionaire-Play It!” replicating the high-tech show set and guest experience of the super-hit TV quiz show. Guests play for points, not dollars.
On April 16, Animal Kingdom Lodge opened. The resort features sweeping views of a 33-acre tropical savannah where exotic animals roam freely.
Also in April, the Port Orleans and Dixie Landings resorts merged to become Port Orleans Resort-Riverside and Port Orleans Resort-French Quarter.
In May, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin attraction opened at Magic Kingdom, featuring 16 four-passenger “carpets” carrying guests on a rocking journey around a giant Genie bottle.
In July, Magic Masters opened at Downtown Disney West Side and Motion opened at Downtown Disney Pleasure Island.
Openings in October: at Disney-MGM Studios - “Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream,” an interactive display of memorabilia celebrating the life and legacy of Walt Disney, and “Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!”; atDisney’s Animal Kingdom -Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama! featuring TriceraTop Spin.
Also in October, the following parades debuted: “Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, “Share a Dream Come True” at Magic Kingdom, “Disney Stars and Motor Cars”at
Disney-MGM Studios, and at Epcot, “Tapestry of Nations” became the “Tapestry of Dreams” parade.
ANNUAL EVENTS
April 7-8 marked the flowery 30th anniversary of “Disney’s Easter Parade” in Magic Kingdom.
April-June, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival added kids’ garden activities, live contemporary music shows, celebrity guest chefs, culinary demonstrations and winemaker dinners.
In May, Disney-MGM Studios celebrated four Star WarsWeekends with personal appearances by: Kenny Baker (“R2-D2”), Carrie Fisher (“Princess Leia”), Peter Mayhew “(Chewbacca”), Warwick Davis (“Wicket the Ewok”), Jeremy Bulloch (“Boba Fett”), puppeteer Mike Quinn (“Nien Nunb”) and Phil Brown (“Uncle Owen”).
June’s celebration of Black Music Month at Downtown Disney Pleasure Island featured Tone Loc, songwriter Olivia and the hip-hop R&B group City High.
In September,Night of Joy featured many outstanding performers including Kirk Franklin and Michael W. Smith.
November at Disney-MGM Studios featured the sixth annual ABC Super Soap Weekend with stars from four ABC Daytime dramas: “General Hospital,” “One Live to Live,” “Port Charles” and “All My Children.”
For 2001’s holiday season, Magic Kingdom set a record 11 nights for “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties”; Disney-MGM Studios expanded the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights to 45 days; and Epcot celebrated 31 days of Holidays Around the World.
SPECIAL EVENTS
In May, Disney Cruise Line announced a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise which included stops at Key West, Grand Cayman and Cozumel.
In June, Epcot introduced “The Power of Blast!” for a series of daily summer performances based on the explosive hit Broadway show “Blast!” on stage at America Gardens Theatre.
October in Downtown Disney Pleasure Island brought Al Ritmos and other stars for Latin Rhythm Nights.
Highlights of October:Walt Disney World Resort began its greatest party, the 100 Years of Magic celebration, a property-wide extravaganza which spotlighted the genius of Walt Disney during the 100 years since his birth in December 1901.
NOTABLE
On Sept. 11, for only the second time in the history of Walt Disney World Resort, all theme parks were closed early (approximately 11 a.m.) in response to the terrorist attacks that took place at the World Trade Center in New York City and at the Pentagon in Washington. All parks opened according to regularly scheduled hours of operation the following day.
Victoria & Albert’s received a Five-Diamond Rating from AAA Guidebook.
FILM & TV PRODUCTION AT DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS AND RESORT LOCATIONS
“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” with segments from Walt Disney World received highest ratings ever.
“The Rosie O’Donnell Show” returned during February sweeps for top afternoon ratings.
In May, “Live with Regis and Kelly” aired two shows with segments taped with Regis at the premier of “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire-Play It!” “Live with Regis and Kelly” syndicated show telecast from Walt Disney World during the opening of the 100 Years of Magic celebration. Michael J. Fox hosted a 100 Years of Magic show on ABC Radio. Discovery Channel’s “Seven Wonders” began airing Disney Cruise Line special reports in May.
Walt Disney World Summer Jamtelecast starred BBMak, the Baha Men, Shaggy and Sugar Ray.
The Travel Channel aired show segments from Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line ships during the summer.
Telemundo aired Latin Rhythm Nights from Downtown Disney Pleasure Island in September.
The syndicated adventure series “Sheena,” working out of Disney-MGM Studios, continued filming its weekly shows throughout the Orlando area.
John Goodman hosted the ABC Radio Christmas show in December. The ABC-TV Christmas show featured Jessica Simpson, 98 Degrees and SheDaisy.
SPORTS
In January, more than 14,000 runners jogged through Walt Disney World parks, resort grounds and Disney’s Wide World of Sports in the ever-growing Walt Disney World Marathon presented by Foot Locker. The winnerwasnewcomer Chris Teague of Norwood, Mass., and Brazilian Ilda A. Santos won the women’s division.
In March, the Atlanta Braves returned for spring training at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.
In the summer, Orlando Rays Minor League Baseball Team played their second season at the complex.
In October, Jose Coceres of Argentina won the National Car Rental Golf Classic, becoming the first international player to claim the crown in the Classic’s 31-year history.
CELEBRATED GUESTS
“What’s Next” guests Trent Dilfer and Barry Bonds, Rosie O’Donnell, Art Garfunkel, Beau Bridges, Tony Danza, 98 Degrees, Kelly Ripa, Charlotte Church, Bryant Gumbel, Matt Lauer, Larry King.
Candlelight Narrators: James Avery, Marlee Matlin, Robby Benson, Wayne Brady, Phylicia Rashad, Story Musgrave, Alfre Woodard, Blair Underwood, Gary Sinise, LeVar Burton.
2002
OPENINGS
On April 18, the Primeval Whirl coaster ride opened in Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama! at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
On June 1, Journey Into Imagination with Figment opened in the Imagination! pavilion at Epcot.
In July, Beach Club Villas added a Disney Vacation Club presence to the Beach Club Resort.
Get Happy…With ABC! opened at Disney-MGM Studios. ABC stars of the fall lineup who were on hand included Drew Carey, Bonnie Hunt, Gordon Clapp, Bill Brochtrup, John Ritter and Katey Sagal.
In August, Once Upon a Toy, a new merchandise location, had its grand opening at Downtown Disney Marketplace.
On Dec. 31, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror debuted a new drop sequence. This was the fourth show enhancement since the attraction opened on July 22, 1994. The entirely new drop sequence placed computers in control of the ride experience for the first time, making each ride sequence unique and random.
Additional openings: Disney’s Pin Traders and Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories at Downtown Disney Marketplace.
ANNUAL EVENTS
The 20th annual Night of Joy in September featured a record-breaking 15 contemporary Christian music acts.
In October and November, a new concert series called Eat to the Beat!was added to the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.
In November, Disney-MGM Studios hosted the seventh annual ABC Super Soap Weekend featuring dozens of ABC Daytime stars from “All My Children,” “One Life To Live,” “Port Charles” and “General Hospital.”
In December, “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party” was held at Magic Kingdom, and once again featured “snow” on Main Street, U.S.A. The annual Candlelight Processional took place at Epcot.
SPECIAL EVENTS
The 100 Years of Magic celebration continued through the end of the year.
NOTABLE
Walt Disney World Resort received the honor of a Gold Medal Designation in the January edition of Golf Magazine. Disney was one of only two Florida gold medal winners (of 22).
FILM & TV PRODUCTION AT DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS AND RESORT LOCATIONS
In February, “EXTRA,” the nationally syndicated show, shot footage at some of the theme parks and the Polynesian Resort of three families of New York firefighters who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, World Trade Center collapse.
The “B. Smith with Style!” syndicated healthy living TV show shot segments for the fall season at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and at Animal Kingdom Lodge.
In November, “Good Day New York/Good Day Live” had a reporter go live from Walt DisneyWorld. “Good Day Live” went to 108 FOX affiliates.
In December, ABC-TV aired the “Walt Disney World Christmas Parade,” which featured hosts Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa at Magic Kingdom.
“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” aired segments from Walt Disney World Resort.
SPORTS
In January, a record 18,500 runners, walkers and wheelchair athletes entered the 2002 Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon. The men’s division winner was British Naval officer Dai Roberts.
In March, the Atlanta Braves returned for spring training at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.
In the summer, the Orlando Rays Minor League Baseball Team played at Cracker Jack Stadium.
In October, Bob Burns earned his first PGA TOUR victory at the annual Golf Classic.
In December, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex hosted the Pop Warner Super Bowl for the eighth consecutive year.
CELEBRATED GUESTS
Michelle Kwan, Timothy Goebel, Kim Zimmer, B. Smith, Bubba Dickerson, Susan Lucci, The B-52’s, “What’s Next” guest Tom Brady, Drew Carey, Bonnie Hunt, John Lynch, Gordon Clapp, Bill Brochtrup, John Ritter, Katey Sagal.
Candlelight Narrators: Edward James Olmos, John Tesh, Marlee Matlin, James Avery, Yolanda Adams, David Hartman, Collin Raye, Blair Underwood, Gary Sinise, Jodi Benson.
2003
OPENINGS
“Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show” premiered at the Polynesian Resort.
On July 1, “Goofy’s Country Dancin' Jamboree,” a new country music dance party, opened at the Diamond Horseshoe Saloon in Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom.
On Aug. 15, Mission: SPACE opened in Future World at Epcot. Grand opening and dedication festivities took place on Oct. 9.
On Sept. 30, “Mickey’s PhilharMagic,” a new 3-D film attraction, opened in the Fantasyland Theater.
On Oct. 9, “Wishes,” a new fireworks show, debuted at Magic Kingdom, replacing the long-running “Fantasy in the Sky”.
On Dec. 14, Pop Century Resort opened with 2,880 rooms.
Additional openings: Basin and Wetzel’s Pretzels at Downtown Disney Marketplace.
ANNUAL EVENTS
April-June, the10th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival was celebrated.
In September, the 21stannual Night of Joy had a lineup of 16 contemporary Christian music acts, breaking the previous year’s record number of 15 acts.
In October and November, the eighth Epcot International Food and Wine Festivalfeatured several hundred wineries from around the world and 26 international marketplaces.
In November, the eighth annual ABC Super Soap Weekend featured over 30 ABC Daytime stars from “All My Children,” “One Life To Live” and “General Hospital.”
For the holiday season, Magic Kingdom held 12 “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties,” and Epcot hosted the 33rd annual Candlelight Processional in addition to 33 days of Holidays Around the World.
SPECIAL EVENTS
May-June, Disney-MGM Studios had five Star Wars Weekends with personal appearances by Anthony Daniels (“C-3PO”), Billy Dee Williams (“Lando Calrissian”), Jeremy Bulloch (“Boba Fett”), Peter Mayhew (“Chewbacca”) and more celebrities from the Star Wars films.
From Aug. 28-Sept. 1, Walt Disney World hosted the Tom Joyner Family Reunion, featuring syndicated radio personality Tom Joyner.
Nov. 18 marked the 75th anniversary of Mickey Mouse. In honor of this special day, 75 six-feet-tall,
700-pound Mickey Mouse statues, designed by 75 celebrities, actors, athletes, musicians and artists, were unveiled in a ceremony at Magic Kingdom. Disney Chairman/CEO Michael D. Eisner kicked off the festivities.
On New Year’s Eve, Cirque du Soleil® presented a special New Year production of La Nouba. Guests received champagne and a limited edition show program including a special insert containing performers’ signatures.
NOTABLE
Disney announced a new program called Magical Gatherings, a multi-faceted and unprecedented program of new products and services designed with extended travel groups in mind. Organizing a Walt Disney World vacation can be done easily with the assistance of online planning tools.
Travel & Leisure Magazine rated Disney’s Boardwalk as one of the 500 Greatest Hotels in the World.
FILM & TV PRODUCTION AT DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS AND RESORT LOCATIONS
In April, “Trading Spaces,” the popular show from The Learning Channel, taped at Magic Kingdom.
In October, the “Wayne Brady Show” taped several episodes at Walt Disney World.
In December, the 20th annual nationwide telecast of the “Walt Disney World Christmas Parade” aired on ABC-TV with Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa as hosts. For this milestone broadcast, “American Idol” favorite Clay Aiken headlined an impressive lineup of stars from Enrique Iglesias to Wayne Brady.
Also in December, The Travel Channel aired a “Walt Disney World Holidays”special,withSamantha Brown as host.
“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin' Eve” aired segments live from Walt Disney World Resort.
SPORTS
In January, Walt Disney World hosted the 10th annual Walt Disney World Marathon and celebrated by honoring 149 runners who participated in all 9 previous marathon events, dating back to the inaugural trek through the Vacation Kingdom in 1994.
In March, the Atlanta Braves returned for spring training at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.
In the summer, the Orlando Rays minor league baseball teamplayed at Cracker Jack Stadium.
In October, the 33rd annual Golf Classic took place, sponsored by Funai. Vijay Singh took first place.
In December, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex hosted the Pop Warner Super Bowl.
CELEBRATED GUESTS
Clay Aiken, Enrique Iglesias, Davy Jones, Carlos Ponce, Wayne Brady, Monica, Regis Philbin, Kelly Ripa, Raven, Lance Bass, Tom Joyner, Star Jones, Robin Roberts, Tony Hawk, Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez, Blondie, Linda Dano, Taylor Momsen, Samantha Brown,Julie Andrews,Beyonce Knowles, LL Cool J, Florence Henderson, Maureen McCormick, Barry Williams, Susan Olsen, Christopher Knight, Montel Williams, Aree Davis, Michael John Jeffries, James Brown, Christy Carlson Romano, Bill Brochtrup, Dutch Parliament member Erica Terpstra, Susan Lucci, Sara Rue, Constance Marie, Sofia Vergara, Rascal Flatts, Paige Davis, Jeff Conine.
Candlelight Narrators: Gary Sinise, Miss America Ericka Dunlap, Sandi Patti, Ben Vereen, Andy Garcia, Rita Moreno, David Ogden Stiers, Steven Curtis Chapman, Edward James Olmos, Robby Benson.
2004
OPENINGS
On March 19, Earl of Sandwichopened at Downtown Disney Marketplace. Grand opening moment took place at Downtown Disney during same-day press event celebration.
In May, Mission: SPACE Race Online debuted at Epcot. This marked the first time guests at home could connect with in-park guests in a game at a Disney theme park. While Epcot guests played on giant screens inside the Mission: SPACE attraction, guests at home played on their personal computers.
On May 17, Disney Vacation Club’s newest timeshare property, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, opened. Grand opening and dedication festivities took place on May 27, 2005, during press event.
On July 1, Disney Tails opened at Downtown Disney Marketplace.
In September, "Echoes of Africa" premiered as the inaugural exhibit at the American Heritage Gallery in The American Adventure pavilion at Epcot. The exhibit is scheduled to run for three years.
On Nov. 16, Stitch’s Great Escape!a kid-friendly Tomorrowland adventure, opened at Magic Kingdom. Grand opening and dedication festivities took place at Magic Kingdom during same-day press event celebration.
On Nov. 16, “Turtle Talk With Crush,”a breakthrough experience in real-time animation, debuted at Epcot. Grand opening and dedication festivities took place at Epcot during same-day press event celebration.
On Nov. 16, Bruce’s Shark World opened in The Living Seas at Epcot. Grand opening and dedication festivities took place at Epcot during same-day press event celebration.
In November, The Magic of Disney Animation officially reopened at Disney-MGM Studios after undergoing refurbishment.
ANNUAL EVENTS
April-June, the11th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival expanded to seven weeks. The festival showcased new topiary displays of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto and Donald Duck grouped in a “Magical Gathering.” Each festival weekend featured a different theme.
May-June, Star Wars Weekends were held at Disney-MGM Studios and featured appearances by Jeremy Bulloch (“Boba Fett”), Jake Lloyd (young “Anakin”), Peter Mayhew (“Chewbacca”), Jerome Blake (“Rune Haako”), Anthony Daniels (“C-3PO”), Andy Secombe (“Watto”), Warwick Davis (“Wicket”), Mike Quinn (“Nien Nunb”), Daniel Logan (young “Boba Fett”) and Amy Allen (“Aayla Secura”).
In September, Night of Joy had a lineup of 22 contemporary Christian music acts, the biggest roster of talent in the event’s 22-year-history. The event also added a third day.
In October and November, the 9th Epcot International Food and Wine Festivalfeatured more than 100 wineries from around the world and more than 25 marketplaces.
In November, the 9th annual ABC Super Soap Weekend, the world’s largest annual soap opera fan event, featured over 30 ABC Daytime stars from “All My Children,” “One Life To Live” and “General Hospital.”
In November, Downtown Disney held the 29th annual Festival of the Masters, featuring more artists than ever before.
For the holiday season, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights returned to Disney-MGM Studios, the Magic Kingdom held 12 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties, and Epcot hosted the 34th annual Candlelight Processional. “Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle” parade at Disney’s Animal Kingdom was given a seasonal twist and became “Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade.”
SPECIAL EVENTS
In December, Disney’s PhotoPass was introduced in the theme parks as an innovative way for guests to retrieve photos online.
NOTABLE
July 31-Aug. 1, Disney-MGM Studios hosted the first-ever ESPN the Weekend, in celebration of ESPN’s 25th anniversary.
In August, the 20-acre Hess Sports Fields were added as the first major venue expansion to Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.
On Aug. 13, for the third time in the history of Walt Disney World Resort, all theme parks were closed early to prepare for Hurricane Charley.
All Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, water parks and recreation areas operated on an abbreviated schedule Sept. 3 to prepare for Hurricane Frances. Then for the fourth time in the history of Walt Disney World Resort, all attractions closed Sept. 4-5 due to the hurricane. Disney-MGM Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom remained closed Sept. 6.
On Sept. 2, the 2nd Tom Joyner Family Reunion (scheduled for Sept. 3-6) was canceled due to Hurricane Frances.
FILM & TV PRODUCTION AT DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS & RESORT LOCATIONS
During ESPN the Weekend, July 31-Aug. 1, ESPN broadcasted “Cold Pizza,” “SportsCenter,” “Baseball Tonight” and “College Game Day” from Disney-MGM Studios.
In December the 21st nationwide telecast of the “Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade” aired on ABC-TV with Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa as hosts. Mariah Carey and “American Idol” favorite Diana DeGarmo headlined an impressive lineup of stars.
“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” aired segments live from Walt Disney World Resort.
SPORTS
In January, Walt Disney World Resort hosted the 11th annual Walt Disney World Marathon.
In March, the Atlanta Braves returned for their 7th year of spring training at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.
In October, the 34th annual Golf Classic took place, sponsored by Funai. Rookie Ryan Palmer took first place.
In December, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex once again hosted the Pop Warner Super Bowl.
CELEBRATED GUESTS
Mariah Carey, Diana DeGarmo, Regis Philbin, Kelly Ripa, Raven, Meredith Vieira, Maurice Benard, Gary Sinise, Michael Rosenaum, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Clay Aiken, Jeremy Bulloch, Kerri Strug, Janet Jackson, Arlo Guthrie, Pink, Michael Phelps, Curt Schilling, Pedro Martinez, The Pixies, Susan Lucci and Joey Fatone, “What’s Next” guests Tom Brady, Curt Schilling, Pedro Martinez and David Ortiz.
Candlelight Narrators: Rita Moreno, Heather Headley, Kirk Franklin, Jim Caviezel, Marlee Matlin, Joshua Morrow, Eartha Kitt, Steven Curtis Chapman, Edward James Olmos, Gary Sinise and LeVar Burton.
2005
OPENINGS
On March 15, Crush ‘n’ Gusher opened at Typhoon Lagoon.
In May, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin debuted at Magic Kingdom. This marked the first new attraction for Adventureland in 25 years.
In May, Agrabah Bazaar, a Middle Eastern open-air marketplace, opened in Magic Kingdom.
Additional openings in May as part of “The Happiest Celebration on Earth,” included Soarin’ at Epcot, “Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show” at Disney-MGM Studios and the stage show “Cinderellabration” at Magic Kingdom.
In July, Chicken Little and Abby Mallard (aka the Ugly Duckling) joined the family of stars at
Disney-MGM Studios.
In August, The Studios Catering Co. Flatbread Grill opened at Disney-MGM Studios with a Mediterranean-inspired menu.
In September, Pooh’s Playful Spot opened at Magic Kingdom.
On Sept. 12, Hong Kong Disneyland opened.
On Oct. 21, Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurantopened at Downtown Disney.
On Dec. 9, Journey Into Narnia: Creating The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe opened at
Disney-MGM Studios.
ANNUAL EVENTS
Feb. 25-27, the 2nd annual ESPN The Weekend sports fan-fest returned to Disney-MGM Studios.
April 15-June 5, the12th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival showcased displays themed to “The Happiest Celebration on Earth” and added the Butterfly House, showcasing several species of butterflies and lush foliage. Flower Power concerts returned to America Gardens Theatre. Each festival weekend featured a different theme, such as Art in the Garden weekend and Photography weekend.
May 4-27, Star Wars Weekends were held at Disney-MGM Studios.
Sept. 9-10, the 23rd annual Night of Joy had a lineup of 21 contemporary Christian music acts. Music from “Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” soundtrack was featured.
Sept. 30- Nov. 13, the 10th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festivalfeatured wineries from around the world and more than 25 marketplaces. The Odyssey Cooking School debuted along with new wine schools and themed specialty dinners.
In September and October, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party was held on 15 select nights.
Nov. 12-13, the 10th annual ABC Super Soap Weekend featured over 30 ABC Daytime stars from “All My Children,” “One Life To Live” and “General Hospital.”
Nov. 11-13, Downtown Disney held the 30th annual Festival of the Masters, featuring more than 200 artists showcasing painting, photography, glass works, sculpture, printmaking, drawing, jewelry and, for the first time, digital art.
For the holiday season, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights returned to Disney-MGM Studios, Magic Kingdom held 14 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties and Epcot hosted the 35th annual Candlelight Processional.
In December, Downtown Disney Pleasure Island ushered in the New Year with its annual Island-Wide Street Party. Performances by Smashmouth, S.O.S. Band and Paul Jackson, Jr.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Feb. 4, 5 & 8, Downtown Disney Pleasure Island hosted Parti Gras, a spin on the famous Mardi Gras tradition, featuring special entertainment, stilt walkers, jugglers and live bands.
Feb. 11, 12 & 14, Pleasure Island became Sweetheart Island, celebrating Valentine’s Day.
March 20-April 2, Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny joined the gang in Magic Kingdom to celebrate Easter with park guests. On March 27, the pair served as Grand Marshals for the daily parade.
June 24-26, Downtown Disney Marketplace hosted the Future of Cool event. Guests learned the newest dance steps, sang karaoke and saw bike and blade shows.
In July, the Hong Kong Disneyland Preview Center opened in Epcot’s China pavilion, giving guests a look at plans, photos, costumes, maps and artwork for the park, which opened Sept. 12, 2005.
On July 28, Lucky the Dinosaur spent his last day mingling with guests and signing autographs in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Sept. 1-4, Tom Joyner Family Reunion featured musical acts Ashanti, Omarion, Bow Wow, and Lionel Richie, as well as comedian Damon Wayans.
In October, little girls were chosen as Cinderella Honorary Princesses of the Day in celebration of the first-time DVD release of the motion picture, “Cinderella.”
Nov. 4-6, Disney’s Pop Century Resort hosted the Rubik’s Cube World Championship.
Nov. 24-Jan. 1, 2006, Magic Kingdom honored U.S. Military families. Each day, a family joined Disney characters as part of the Train Station Welcome Ceremony at park opening. A second family presided as
Grand Marshal of the “Share a Dream Come True” parade. In addition, military veterans were selected each day at sundown to participate in the flag retreat ceremony.
Walt Disney World celebrated “The Happiest Celebration on Earth” throughout the year.
NOTABLE
In January, Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa earned a Five Diamond distinction from AAA for the fifth consecutive year. The restaurant was one of just 57 restaurants in North America to receive the honor. Victoria & Albert’s was also awarded four stars by the 2005 Mobil Travel Guide – one of only two restaurants in Central Florida to earn the honor.
In January, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge was voted among the “Top 20 Hotels of the World” in Fodor’s Choice Hotels 2005.
Also in January, Disney introduced the “Magic Your Way,” ticketing system, allowing guests to customize vacations to their specific needs and wants, and Goofy’s Candy Company in Downtown Disney was expanded to include an interactive show kitchen.
On Feb. 15, Disney’s Animal Kingdom began a new Wildlife Discovery Excursion for concierge level guests, donating all proceeds to the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund.
In March, readers of Southern Accents magazine voted Walt Disney World Resort their favorite vacation spot in the magazine’s first-ever Great Escapes Travel Award competition.
In June, Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Resort began a renovation on guestrooms, a special “Happiest Celebration on Earth” edition of Pal Mickey debuted, and The Land pavilion at Epcot reopened with new dining options and a new look.
On Aug. 1, Disney introduced a Shopping & Dining Gift Card for use at select Walt Disney World merchandise and food and beverage locations.
In November, Walt Disney World introduced “Lunch with Walt Disney World Animal Programs,” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge where guests receive an up-close-and-personal experience with a dolphin trainer, veterinarian or animal curator.
Also in November, Lilo, Stitch and Pluto began appearances at ‘Ohana in Disney’s Polynesian Resort, and the Disney Magic cruise ship received additions and amenities during its October dry dock including a jumbo outdoor LED screen and a brand new stage show.
In its Fall/Winter 2005 Edition, readers of Travel + Leisure Family magazine voted Disney’s Wilderness Lodge as the best family-friendly resort in the Continental U.S. and Canada. Disney properties in Florida and California took eight of the top 16 spots.
FILM & TV PRODUCTION AT DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS AND RESORT LOCATIONS
In January, “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” taped five weeks of episodes at Disney-MGM Studios.
During ESPN The Weekend Feb. 25-27, ESPN broadcast “Cold Pizza,” “SportsCenter,” “Baseball Tonight,” “BassCenter” and “ESPN Deportes SportsCenter” from Disney-MGM Studios.
On Dec. 25, the nationwide telecast of the “Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade” aired on ABC-TV with Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa as hosts.
SPORTS
On Jan. 9, Walt Disney World Resort hosted 24,000 marathoners and half marathons at the 12th annual Walt Disney World Marathon. Jan. 7-8, Tylenol 8 Hour presented a Health and Fitness Expo.
On Feb. 17, the Atlanta Braves returned for their eighth year of spring training at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.
In May, The Orlando Rays continued their second season at Disney’s Wide World of Sports with four home series.
In June, the Amateur Athletic Union Summer National Championships came to Disney as did the 32nd annual AAU Junior National Volleyball Championship.
July 7-10, the ESPN Great Outdoor Games VI came to Disney’s Wide World of Sports showcasing target sports, timber events and sporting dogs. The games were broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN2 & ABC Sports.
Also in July, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers returned to the sports complex for their 2005 NFL Training Camp.
On Sept. 25, The Walt Disney World Triathlon featured a 1.5K swim, a 40K bike and a 10K run around the resort. A Triathlon Expo was held at Disney’s Contemporary Resort on Sept. 23-24.
In October, nearly 100 junior golfers converged for the Tiger Woods Foundation Junior Golf Clinic held on Disney’s Palm and Magnolia golf courses for the fourth year.
Also in October, the 35th annual FUNAI Golf Classic took place on the Magnolia course, which was stretched to more than 7,500 yards. Lucas Glover holed birdie shots from off the green on the final two holes to come from behind and earn a one-stroke victory.
Nov. 17-19, the Walt Disney World Florida Classic XXVI was held. Festivities kicked off with the President’s Scholarship Gala at Walt Disney World Resort.
In December, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex once again hosted the Pop Warner Super Bowl.
Also in December, Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk hosted the Home Depot College Football Awards Show broadcast live on ESPN.
CELEBRATED GUESTS
Cameron Mathison, Fantasia Barrino, Vivica A. Fox, Gloria Estefan, Meinhardt Raabe, Chris Rock, Maggie Grace, Peter Mayhew, Ed Robertson and Steven Page (Barenaked Ladies lead vocalists), Joey Fatone, Lance Bass, John Corbett, Eden Espinosa, Michael Moloney and Paige Hemmis (“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”), Steve Harwell (Smashmouth lead singer), Ashanti, Kyle Petty (NASCAR driver), Samantha Brown, Diana DeGarmo, Gabrielle Union, Darius Rucker (Hootie and the Blowfish), Kirstie Alley, Cristian Castro, Tori Amos, Diddy, Michael J. Fox, Jerry Rice, Kurt Warner, George Lucas, Matthew McConaughey, Paris Hilton, Laura Wright, Sara Evans, Jen Schefft, Kurt Busch (NASCAR’s 2004 Season Champion), Kyan Douglas (“Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”), Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, John Stamos, Michael Rosenbaum, Gary Sinise, David Cassidy, Jim Breuer, Barry Larkin, Ken Griffey, Jr., A.J. Pierzynski, Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush, Davy Jones, The Turtles, Gary Puckett, and The Cast of “Chronicles of Narnia”: Georgie Henley, Anne Popplewell, William Moseley & Skander Keynes.
Candlelight Narrators: Haley Joel Osment, Cicely Tyson, Jaci Velasquez, Eartha Kitt, Lou Diamond Phillips, Harry Hamlin, Marlee Matlin, Jim Caviezel, John Stamos, Stephen Curtis Chapman.
2006
OPENINGS
In April, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique opened at Downtown Disney Marketplace, offering enchanting makeovers and pampering services for youngsters.
On April 7, Expedition Everestopened at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
In July, characters from “Little Einsteins,” a Disney Channel program, made their debut at Disney-MGM Studios.
In August, “Playhouse Disney in Concert” debuted at Disney-MGM Studios, featuring seven weeks of theatrical and musical performances for preschoolers as part of Magical Beginnings, created for families with toddlers and preschoolers. Presented by Playskool, the program features planning tools, services, travel packages and amenities devoted to families with young children.
Also in August, Turf Club Bar and Grill opened at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, offering year-round outdoor dining.
In October, Magic Kingdom introduced the stage show “Dream Along With Mickey.”
Also in October, Magic Kingdom premiered new immersive experiences as part of “The Year of a Million Dreams” including “Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial,” “Woody’s Cowboy Camp,” “Let’s Have a Ball” and the “Main Street Family Fun Day Parade.”
Also in 2006, the All-Star Music Resort opened 214 value-priced family suites.
ANNUAL EVENTS
March 3-5, ESPN The Weekend returned to Disney-MGM Studios featuring headliners Jerry Rice and Brian Urlacher.
April 21-June 11, the13th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival took place. Each festival weekend featured a different theme including Characters in Bloom Weekend & Art in the Garden Weekend.
May 19-June 11, Star Wars Weekends were held at Disney-MGM Studios and featured appearances by Star Wars producer Rick McCallum and Peter Mayhew, the 7’3” actor who portrayed Chewbacca.
Sept. 8-9, the 24th annual Night of Joy had a lineup of 16 contemporary Christian music acts including MercyMe, Casting Crowns, Kirk Franklin and tobyMac.
Sept. 29-Nov. 12, the 11th Epcot International Food and Wine Festivalfeatured wineries from around the world and more than 25 marketplaces. The “Eat to the Beat!” concert series featured such performers as Survivor, Little Richard, Jon Secada and The Beach Boys.
In September and October, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party took place over 18 nights.
Nov. 11-12, the 11th annual ABC Super Soap Weekend,featured over 30 ABC Daytime stars from “All My Children,” “One Life To Live” and “General Hospital.” Anthony Geary and Genie Francis made their first public appearance in decades during “The 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Wedding of Luke & Laura.” Rosie O’Donnell appeared as a special guest and co-host.
Nov. 10-12, Downtown Disney held the 31st annual Festival of the Masters, featuring more than 200 artists from 29 states and Israel. House of Blues also hosted the eighth annual Where the Art Meets the Soul Folk Art Festival, with 40 folk artists performing.
For the holiday season, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights returned to Disney-MGM Studios with new “dancing” lights, Magic Kingdom held 18 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties and Epcot hosted the annual Candlelight Processional.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Feb. 24, 25 & 28, Downtown Disney Pleasure Island hosted Parti Gras.
Feb. 10, 11 & 14, Pleasure Island became Sweetheart Island, celebrating Valentine’s Day.
March 17, Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant at Downtown Disney hosted an authentic Irish celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. Live Irish music and dance, favorite Irish foods and Irish beers marked the first St. Patrick’s Day celebration at the venue.
Sept. 1-5, the Tom Joyner Family Reunion was held with a star-studded lineup of entertainment including Aretha Franklin, Chris Brown, LL Cool J and Sinbad.
On Oct. 4, “The Year of a Million Dreams” celebration began at Walt Disney World with one family – the Spanglers of Randolph, Ohio – getting the Magic Kingdom to themselves for the morning.
NOTABLE
In January, Disney water parks began participating in Extra Magic Hours; “Walt Disney World Resort: Plugged In” weekly podcasts debuted; Ice Station Cool received the new name “Club Cool.”
By February, more than 2 million guests had used Disney’s Magical Express since its launch in May 2005.
In February, a 233-pound female elephant calf named Nadirah was born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
In March, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort began offering two-hour private bass-fishing excursions on Barefoot Bay.
On April 5, World of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace unveiled its “re-imagined” retail playground with a new Adventure Room and Princess Room.
Also in April, readers and Golf Magazine experts rated Walt Disney World Resort as a Gold Medal winner in their survey of America’s Best Resorts; Night of Joy received the Gospel Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award.
June 9, Lightning McQueen and Mater from “Cars” joined the Disney-MGM Studios “Disney Stars and Motor Cars” parade.
June 25, Disney-MGM Studios began offering Play ‘N Dine at Hollywood & Vine featuring Playhouse Disney characters singing and dancing to favorite Playhouse Disney songs during breakfast and lunch.
Also in June, Jiko-The Cooking Place was honored for “Best Independent Operator Menu” in the 2006 Nation’s Restaurant News MenuMasters Awards, and the “2005 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade” was honored by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences with an Emmy Award for “Outstanding Special Class Special.”
In July, Pirates of the Caribbean added Captain Jack Sparrow and Barbossa Audio-Animatronics to the attraction, as well as a Davy Jones hologram and refurbished lights and sound.
Also in July, The Flying Dutchman, the 175-foot ghost ship used in “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” docked at Castaway Cay, the Disney Cruise Line private island, to provide photo ops and a sneak peek into movie-making magic.
In October, Jiko-The Cooking Place was named one of “America’s 50 Most Amazing Wine Experiences” by Food & Wine magazine. Jiko was one of two honored in Florida.
FILM & TV PRODUCTION AT DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS AND RESORT LOCATIONS
In January, “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” taped episodes at Disney-MGM Studios.
In November, ESPN2 and ESPNU broadcast games from the Old Spice Classic held at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.
March 3-5, during ESPN The Weekend, ESPN broadcast “Cold Pizza,” “SportsCenter,” “Baseball Tonight” and “College Game Day” from Disney-MGM Studios.
In December the annual nationwide telecast of the “Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade” aired on ABC-TV with Regis Philbin, Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest as hosts. Beyonce headlined an impressive lineup of stars that included Andrea Bocelli, the cast of “High School Musical” and Bianca Ryan.
Also in December, the 2006 Home Depot College Football Awards were broadcast live on ESPN from Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk. “ESPN College GameDay” host Chris Fowler emceed along with co-anchors Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso.
SPORTS
In January, Walt Disney World Resort hosted the 13th annual Walt Disney World Marathon, which featured a new split-day format, and Goofy’s Race-and-a-Half Challenge, offered for participants who complete both races. The Health and Fitness Expo was hosted at The Milk House Jan. 5-7.
In February, the Atlanta Braves returned for their ninth year of spring training at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.
March 7-10, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex hosted the inaugural World Baseball Classic.
April 2, the fourth annual Walt Disney World Inline Marathon and Half Marathon took place at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex. An Inline Marathon Expo took place at The Milk House.
In May, Walt Disney World Resort held the first-ever Disney Minnie Marathon Weekend, aiming to promote women’s wellness with three races and an expo.
In June, the 2006 NBA Pre-Draft Camp moved to Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.
In July and August, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers held their training camp at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.
Sept. 24, The Walt Disney World Triathlon capped a weekend of fitness and fun with a 1.5K swim, 40K bike and 10K run.
Oct. 19-22, the Funai Golf Classic took place on Disney’s Palm and Magnolia courses, with Tour veteran Joe Durant emerging as winner.
Nov. 17, Disney-MGM Studios hosted the Florida Classic Fan Day featuring recording artists Danity Kane.
Nov. 23-26, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex hosted the Inaugural Old Spice Classic.
Dec. 3-9, Disney’s Wide World of Sports hosted the Pop Warner Super Bowl.
Dec. 7, the 2006 Home Depot College Football Awards took place at Atlantic Dance Hall.
CELEBRATED GUESTS
Isabella Rossellini, A.J. Pierzynski, Kristi Yamaguchi, Rudy Galindo, Elvis Stojko, “What’s Next” guest Hines Ward, Tony Danza, Aly & AJ, John Stamos, Jon Bon Jovi, Joey Fatone, Everlife, cast of “High School Musical” (Vanessa Anne Hudgens, Zac Efron, Ashley Tisdale, Monique Coleman, Corbin Bleu, Lucas Grabeel), Helena Christensen, Josh Gracin, Gretchen Wilson, Steven Page (Barenaked Ladies lead singer), Vincent D’Onofrio, David Copperfield, Scott Hamilton, Serena Williams, Michael Irvin, Kurt Warner, Miley Cyrus, Jason Kidd, Dwayne Wade, Molly Ringwald, Christie Brinkley, Colin Mochrie, Aretha Franklin, Ne-Yo, Keyshia Cole, Chris Brown, Tom Joyner, Sinbad, Doug E. Fresh, Jo Frost (Supernanny), Noah Gray-Cabey, Mira Sorvino, Rob Thomas, Beyonce, Bianca Ryan, RBD, Regis Philbin, Kelly Ripa, Emmitt Smith.
Candlelight Narrators: Rita Moreno, Brian Dennehy, Stephen Curtis Chapman, Maureen McGovern, Kirk Cameron, Neil Patrick Harris, Gary Sinise, Marlee Matlin and Edward James Olmos.
2007
OPENINGS
In January, “Finding Nemo - The Musical” officially opened at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and “The Seas with Nemo & Friends” debuted at Epcot.
On Jan. 25, the Disney Wish Lounge opened for invited Disney Wish Program guests, and Disney’s Pirate & Princess Party took place in the Magic Kingdom for the first time.
Also in January, the Fouch family, of DeWitt, Mich., was the first family to stay at the Cinderella Castle Suite in Magic Kingdom as part of “The Year of a Million Dreams.”
On March 29, the Lotus Blossom Café in the China pavilion reopened after undergoing extensive refurbishment that resulted in a new, more modern interior and a new, healthier selection of menu items.
On April 2, the “Gran Fiesta Tour starring The Three Caballeros” boat ride debuted in the Mexico pavilion at Epcot, replacing the original “El Río Del Tiempo” boat ride attraction.
Also on April 2, Magic Kingdom opened the new comedic attraction Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor.
In May, the Disney Magic embarked on new 10- and 11-night itineraries in the Mediterranean, allowing guests to visit such world-famous cities as Rome, Florence and Naples in Italy; Cannes in France; and Barcelona in Spain.
Also in May, Fuego by Sosa Cigars, an upscale cigar bar, opened at Downtown Disney Pleasure Island.
On July 2, Disney Vacation Club opened the first phase of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House – at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.
In September, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique opened at Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom as the second Walt Disney World location.
In September, Epcot welcomed the Patina Restaurant Group’s new restaurant, Tutto Italia Ristorante at the Italy pavilion, and the American Adventure pavilion exhibit National Treasures, which includes artifacts from museums and foundations across the country.
September 23, “High School Musical 2: School’s Out!” debuted at Disney-MGM Studios, featuring a medley of the hottest tunes from the smash Disney Channel movies.
Also in September, sports manufacturer Rawlings opened its first permanent store, Rawlings Making the Game, inside Team Mickey at Downtown Disney Marketplace, featuring customizable baseballs bats, gloves and more.
In October, Mitsukoshi opened two restaurants in the Japan pavilion at Epcot – Teppan Edo and Tokyo Dining.
Also in October, the “O Canada!” film debuted in the Canada pavilion at Epcot, featuring Canadian actor/ comedian Martin Short.
In November, Magic Kingdom introduced the stage show “Cinderella’s Holiday Wish and Castle Dreams Lights.”
Also in November, Disney’s Animal Kingdom welcomed the opening of Yak & Yeti as a two-story eatery in the park’s Asia region, and the Tusker House Restaurant reopened as a buffet with a character breakfast.
ANNUAL EVENTS
March 2-4, ESPN The Weekend returned to Disney-MGM Studios, featuring former NBA All-Star David Robinson and Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl-winning quarterback Ben Roethlisberger as celebrity hosts.
April 5-June 3,the14th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival took place. Each festival weekend featured a different theme including Characters in Bloom Weekend and Garden Party Weekend.
June 1-24, Star Wars Weekends were held at Disney-MGM Studios and featured appearances by “Star Wars” actors and film creators.
Sept. 7-8, the 25th annual Night of Joy had a lineup of 19 contemporary Christian music acts including BarlowGirl, Third Day, newsboys and Steven Curtis Chapman.
Sept. 28-Nov. 11, the 12th Epcot International Food and Wine Festivalfeatured wineries from around the world and more than 25 marketplaces. The “Eat to the Beat!” concert series featured such performers as David Cassidy, Little Richard, Jon Secada and The Beach Boys.
From September to November, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party took place on 20 evenings.
Nov. 10-11, the 12th annual ABC Super Soap Weekend at Disney-MGM Studios featured more than 30 ABC Daytime stars from “All My Children,” “One Life To Live” and “General Hospital.” “The View’s” new co-host Sherri Shepherd joined Susan Lucci and Cameron Mathison from “All My Children” as a special guest.
Nov. 9-11, Downtown Disney held the 32nd annual Festival of the Masters, featuring more than 150 artisans. House of Blues also hosted the ninth annual Where the Art Meets the Soul Folk Art Festival, with 40 folk artists appearing.
For the holiday season, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights returned to Disney-MGM Studios with its “dancing” lights, Magic Kingdom held 19 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties and Epcot hosted the annual Candlelight Processional.
SPECIAL EVENTS
In January, “The Year of a Million Dreams” campaign kicked into high gear with a media press event and the unveiling of a new advertising campaign for Disney Parks by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz. More than 1 million dreams were granted throughout Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. The campaign extended through 2008.
Feb. 16, 17 & 20, Downtown Disney Pleasure Island hosted Parti Gras.
Feb. 9, 10 & 14, Pleasure Island became Sweetheart Island, celebrating Valentine’s Day.
NOTABLE
In January, Walt Disney World Public Affairs launched its Web site – www.wdwpublicaffairs.com – providing the world information about Cast Members, Community Relations, Conservation, Government Relations, Media Relations and Minority Business Development.
Launched on Valentine’s Day, the Disney Honeymoon Registry, offered by Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings, allows couples to select from hundreds of dining, shopping and recreation offerings that friends and family may purchase as gifts.
In February, Disney Cruise Line unveiled 36 new, 45-foot-long motor coaches.
On May 14, Walt Disney World officials unveiled the rededicated Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando.
In May, Disney Channel characters including Little Einsteins and Jo Jo’s Circus were given new outdoor meet-and-greet and photo opportunity areas in the Animation Courtyard at Disney-MGM Studios.
On June 1, based on guest demand, all Disney- owned and -operated resorts at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Vacation Clubs went smoke-free.
On July 4, more than 1,000 immigrants became U.S. citizens during a naturalization ceremony on Main Street, U.S.A., at Magic Kingdom.
On Aug. 28, the Walt Disney World Resort contributed $1 million to the Downtown Orlando Entrepreneur Center, which was renamed The Disney Entrepreneur Center.
On Oct. 1, a special Silver Anniversary Ceremony to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Epcot was held at Future World Fountain Stage.
In November, the Jedi Training Academy stage was given a permanent home outside the Star Tours attraction at Disney-MGM Studios.
In 2007, Disney’s Old Key West Resort, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground received Green Lodging Certification by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. With the certification, these resorts joined six other Walt Disney World resorts previously honored.
In 2007, Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Resort received official AAA Four Diamond rating plaques from the American Automobile Association.
Also in 2007, Disney’s Animal Kingdom welcomed several bundles of joy, including a white rhino, giraffe, sable antelope, marabou stork and pink-backed pelican.
And in 2007, The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror celebrated its 13th anniversary at Disney-MGM Studios.
FILM & TV PRODUCTION AT DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS AND RESORT LOCATIONS
March 2-4, during ESPN The Weekend, ESPN broadcast “Cold Pizza,” “SportsCenter,” “Baseball Tonight” and “BassCenter” from Disney-MGM Studios.
In April, the Disney Channel Games were taped at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, featuring stars from the Disney Channel.
In November, ESPN2 and ESPNU broadcast games from the Old Spice Classic held at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.
In December, the annual nationwide telecast of the “Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade” aired on ABC-TV with Regis Philbin, Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest as hosts. At Walt Disney World, the cast from the hit show “Dancing With The Stars” kicked off the special that included an impressive lineup of stars, such as Jessica Simpson, the Jonas Brothers, Katharine McPhee and Patti LaBelle.
Also in December, The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards were broadcast live on ESPN from Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk and hosted by the ESPN College GameDay team.
SPORTS
Jan. 5-7, Walt Disney World Resort hosted the 14th annual Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.
In February, the Atlanta Braves returned for their 10th year of Spring Training at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.
Feb. 5-April 29, the Tom Shaw Performance Training camp was held for the second year at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, including marquee athletes such as Calvin Johnson (Georgia Tech), LaRon Landry (Louisiana State University) and Chris Leak (University of Florida).
Feb. 16 and 18, Major League Soccer brought four of its teams—the Chicago Fire, Houston Dynamo, New York Red Bulls and Real Salt Lake—to play four pre-season exhibition games on the HESS Fields at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.
March 2-4, Disney-MGM Studios hosted the fourth annual ESPN The Weekend, hosted by former NBA All-Star David Robinson and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
On March 28, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex marked its 10th anniversary with a yearlong reflection on the exhilarating memories and historical milestones achieved by athletes and spectators.
April 1, the fifth annual Walt Disney World Inline Marathon took place at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex with nearly 1,000 registered inline skaters.
May 2 -June 4, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex hosted the 2007 NBA Pre-Draft Camp, which included Larry Bird (Pacers) and Michael Jordan (Bobcats).
May 4-6, Walt Disney World Resort held Disney’s Minnie Marathon Weekend, aiming to promote women’s wellness with three races and an expo.
May 15-17, Tampa Bay Rays hosted the Texas Rangers for three regular season games at The Ballpark at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, marking the first-ever regular season MLB games to be played in Central Florida.
July 20 -Aug 1, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex hosted the Amateur Athletic Union’s (AAU) Boys Basketball National Championships that included some of the top high school players in the nation, such as Tyreke Evans, DeMarcus Cousins, Terrelle Pryor, Austin Rivers and Marcus Jordan.
June 7, the Major League Baseball Draft came to The Milk House at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.
In July and August, the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers held their sixth training camp at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.
Sept. 23, the Walt Disney World Triathlon capped a weekend of fitness and fun for more than 2,000 participants with a 1.5K swim, 56K bike and 10K run.
Nov. 1-4, the Children’s Miracle Network Classic took place on Disney’s Palm and Magnolia courses.
Nov. 22-25, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex hosted the Old Spice Classic at the Milk House.
Dec. 6, The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards took place at Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk where U.S. Naval Academy slot back Zerbin Singleton was awarded the Disney’s Wide World of Sports Spirit Award.
Dec. 2-8, the Pop Warner Super Bowl was held at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.
Dec. 27-29, World-class soccer team Chelsea Football Club brought its under 13 team to the U.S. to participate in Disney’s Soccer Showcase, America’s most prestigious youth soccer tournament.
CELEBRATED GUESTS
Christopher Meloni; Blair Underwood; Jason Varitek; Gary Sinise; Rob Thomas; 2007 World Series MVP Mike Lowell; Seth Rogen; Cheryl Hines; John Leguizamo; Laura Dern; Shaun White; John Stamos; Joey Fatone; Miss America 2007 contestants; Martina Navratilova; cast of “Jon & Kate Plus 8”; 2007 Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow; Gloria Estefan; Sergei Fedorov; Kurt Warner; Mekhi Phifer; Uma Thurman; Richard Petty; Miley Cyrus; Brad Garrett; cast of “High School Musical”; Star Jones; Juanes; Abigail Breslin; Spencer Breslin; Adam Vinatieri; 2007 Super Bowl-winning coach and “What’s Next” guest Tony Dungy; “What’s Next” guest Dominic Rhodes; Keke Palmer; David Bisbal; Kristen Bell; Kristi Yamaguchi; Lisa Rinna; Serena Williams; Stephen Ames; crew of NASA Space Shuttle Mission STS-118, including teacher-turned-astronaut Barbara Morgan; The Cheetah Girls: Adrienne Bailon, Kiely Williams, Sabrina Bryan; Dylan Sprouse; Cole Sprouse; Kyle Massey; Jonas Brothers: Nick, Kevin, Joe; Regis Philbin; Kelly Ripa; Patti LaBelle; Jessica Simpson; 2007 cast of “Dancing with the Stars”; Ben Roethlisberger; Hines Ward; Herschel Walker; Jerry Rice; Michelle Kwan; Jim Palmer; Gary Sheffield; Andy Pettitte; Sheryl Swoopes; 2007 National Thanksgiving Turkeys, "May" and "Flower."
Candlelight Narrators: David Robinson; John O’Hurley; Monique Coleman; Neil Patrick Harris; Dennis Franz; Steven Curtis Chapman; Chita Rivera; Andie MacDowell; Kirk Cameron; Edward James Olmos; Rita Moreno; Marlee Matlin.
2008
OPENINGS
In January, the first Walt Disney World Moms Panel debuted in an interactive online forum consisting of 12 moms.
Jan. 10, the “Curl” surf shop by Sammy Duvall opened on Pleasure Island, offering a variety of surf apparel and accessories.
In February, the “Playhouse Disney–Live on Stage!”show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios was updated tofeature new characters, such as LittleEinsteins and Handy Manny.
Also in February, Spaceship Earthin Epcot reopened to guests, featuring new show scenes, lighting effects, a musical score and narrator.
March 14, the Block Party Bash parade debuted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, featuring dancers,acrobats, stilt performers and charactersfrom Disney•Pixar films.
March 19, Disney executives gathered to celebrate the opening of the 25,000-square-foot Walt Disney World Boys & Girls Club in Orlando’s Pine Hills neighborhood, which originally opened in 1960.
March 20, the Disney Wonder cruise line added a new musical to its 977-seat Walt Disney Theatre, “Toy Story – The Musical.”
In May, The Chapeau shop on Main Street, U.S.A., in Magic Kingdom opened a build-your-own-ear hat station, allowing guests to personalize their own Mickey ears.
May 14, Slapstick Studios opened at Innoventions West in Epcot, which includes a comedy show and a Creative Solutions Studio where guests decorate their own complimentary Velcro-brand frog.
May 31, Disney’s Hollywood Studios welcomed the Toy Story Midway Mania! 4-D interactive attraction.
In June, Disney’s Contemporary Resort opened The Wave, taking casual dining into the health conscious 21st century by offering healthy wraps, fish dishes, mini desserts and more.
On June 24, Disney’s Hollywood Studios unveiled theJourney Into Narnia: Prince Caspian attraction with a special meet andgreet with Prince Caspian.
Also in June, Downtown Disney opened FoodQuest as a quick-service location at DisneyQuest, offering pizzas, burgers and wraps.
Aug. 26, Epcot opened StormStruck: A Tale of Two Homes at Innoventions East, a 4-D storm simulation that includes rain, hail and lightning.
In September, the magical forest Pixie Hollow opened at Mickey’s Toontown in Magic Kingdom, featuring a meet and greet with Tinker Bell and her four best friends.
On Sept. 24, Nine Dragons, the restaurant at the China pavilion at Epcot, reopened after undergoing a major renovation from the menu to atmosphere.
In October, hundreds of Walt Disney World Cast Members celebrated the opening of the on-site Center for Living Well, providing eligible Cast Members, Imagineers and their families a one-stop shop for primary medical care and services.
Oct. 14, T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop, Explore and Discover debuted at Downtown Disney Marketplace, featuring an interactive, educational dining experience and a Build-a-Dino Workshop by Build-a-Bear.
Oct. 24, the “High School Musical 3: Right Here! Right Now!” show premiered at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with a traveling stage, new choreography and songsfrom “High School Musical 3: Senior Year.”
On Nov. 15, Disney’s Contemporary Resort opened the Contempo Café, offering a chic dining experience at a quick-service location.
In December, Goofy’s Birthday Parties debuted at Goofy’s Candy Company in Downtown Disney.
Dec. 8, Disney’s Design-a-Tee opened at the Downtown Disney Marketplace where guests create a one-of-a-kind T-shirts.
Dec. 9, Portobello reopened at the Downtown Disney Marketplace after transforming into an authentic Italian trattoria.
ANNUAL EVENTS
Jan. 17-20, 100 high school students from around the U.S. participated in the first Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey enrichment program.
Feb. 29-March 2, ESPN The Weekend returned to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, featuring ESPN personalities and celebrities including Shaun Alexander, Donte Stallworth and Jim Palmer.
March 19-June 1,the15th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival took place. Each festival weekend featured a different theme including Characters in Bloom Weekend and Art in the Garden Weekend.
June 6-29, Star Wars Weekends were held at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and featured appearances by “Star Wars” actors and film creators.
Sept. 5-6, the 26th annual Night of Joy moved to Disney’s HollywoodStudios from Magic Kingdom and showcased a lineup of 16 contemporary Christian music acts including BarlowGirl, Casting Crowns, MercyMe and Rebecca St. James.
September and October, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party took place during 26 nights, the most nights in the history of the event.
Sept. 26-Nov. 9, the 13th Epcot International Food and Wine Festivalfeatured wineries from around the world and more than 25 marketplaces. The “Eat to the Beat!” concert series featured such performers as Sister Hazel, David Sanborn, Jon Secada and Sheena Easton.
Nov. 15-16, the final ABC-SOAPnet Super Soap Weekend at Disney’s Hollywood Studios featured more than 31 ABC Daytime stars from “All My Children,” “One Life To Live” and “General Hospital.” Cameron Mathison from “All My Children” headlined the event, accompanied by soap stars including Kassie DePaiva from “One Life to Live” and Bradford Anderson from “General Hospital.”
Nov. 7-9, Downtown Disney held the 33rd annual Festival of the Masters, featuring more than 150 artisans. House of Blues also hosted the 10th annual Where the Art Meets the Soul Folk Art Festival.
For the holiday season, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights returned to Disney’s Hollywood Studios with its “dancing” lights, Magic Kingdom held 18 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties and Epcot hosted the annual Candlelight Processional.
SPECIAL EVENTS
In 2008, “The Year of a Million Dreams” campaign continued throughout the year. More than 1 million dreams were granted throughout Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.
NOTABLE
On Jan. 1, Disney-MGM Studios was renamed Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
On April 22, Disney’s Animal Kingdom celebrated its 10-year anniversary.
In April and May, Disney VoluntEARS celebrated 25 years of worldwide community service by participating in a month-long variety of volunteer events.
In May, Disney’s Helping Kids Shine awarded Central Florida nonprofit organizations $700,000 in grants for a variety of initiatives that build better futures for area children.
June 28, Disney’s Animal Kingdom welcomed a 327-pound African elephant calf, making thenew addition the heaviest elephant born at the park.
In July, a new Grand Marshal vehicle debuted in the daily parade down Main Street, U.S.A., at Magic Kingdom, with a lift mechanism that accommodates guests who use a wheelchair or have difficulty navigating steps.
In August, the Walt Disney World Resort was named as the Corporation of the Year by the Florida Minority Supplier Development Council.
Aug. 29, world champion swimmer Michael Phelps celebrated a record of eight Gold Medals from the Olympic Games in Beijing with an all-American homecoming parade at Magic Kingdom.
Also in August, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground launched archery as a new recreation offering.
On Sept. 10, Walt Disney World officials announced Project Pressure, a Central Florida health campaign that aims to raise awareness of the dangers of high blood pressure.
In 2008, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort celebrated their 20-year anniversaries.
In 2008, Disney Cruise Line ranked top three in “Travel + Leisure” magazine’s “2008 World’s Best” awards in the “Large Ship” cruise line category.
FILM & TV PRODUCTION AT DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS AND RESORT LOCATIONS
Feb. 29-March 2, during ESPN The Weekend, ESPN broadcast “Mike & Mike,” “ESPN First Take,” “Baseball Tonight” and “NFL Live” from Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
In April and May, the Disney Channel Games were taped at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, featuring a special concert with The Cheetah Girls, Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers.
In November, ESPN2 and ESPNU broadcast games from the Old Spice Classic held at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.
In December, the annual nationwide telecast of the “Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade” aired on ABC-TV with Regis Philbin, Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest as hosts. At Walt Disney World, Miley Cyrus headlined an impressive lineup of stars that included Billy Ray Cyrus, David Cook, David Archuleta and Sarah Brightman.
Also in December, The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards were broadcast live on ESPN from Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk, hosted by the ESPN College GameDay team.
SPORTS
Jan. 11-13, Walt Disney World Resort hosted the 15th annual Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.
In February, the Atlanta Braves returned for their 11th year of Spring Training at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.
Feb. 5-April 30, the Tom Shaw Performance training camp was held for the third year at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, including marquee athletes such as Glenn Dorsey (Louisiana State University), Andre Woodson (Kentucky) and Early Doucet (LSU).
Feb. 29-March 2, Disney’s Hollywood Studios hosted the fifth annual ESPN The Weekend, featuring ESPN personalities and celebrities including Shaun Alexander, Donte Stallworth and Jim Palmer.
May 2-4, Walt Disney World Resort held Disney’s Minnie Marathon Weekend, aiming to promote women’s wellness with three races and an expo.
April 22-24, Tampa Bay Rays hosted the Toronto Blue Jays for three regular season games at the Champion Stadium at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.
May 27-30, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex hosted the 2008 NBA Pre-Draft Camp.
June 5-6, the Major League Baseball Draft came to The Milk House at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.
July 6, the Jostens Center, a new state-of-the-art, multi-sport facility, opened at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, comprising of more than 44,800 square feet of competition space, four locker rooms, two conference rooms and two officials’ rooms.
July 20, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex held the inaugural Under Armour All-America Softball game, featuring 30 of the nation’s elite high school softball players.
July 21-August 1, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex hosted the Amateur Athletic Union’s (AAU) Boys Basketball National Championships.
July 26-August 14, the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers held their seventh training camp at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.
Sept. 27, the inaugural Expedition Everest Challenge debuted at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with 3,000 participants, featuring a 5K run, obstacle course and scavenger hunt.
Nov. 3-5, the Children’s Miracle Network Classic took place on Disney’s Palm and Magnolia courses.
Nov. 27-30, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex hosted the Old Spice Classic at the Milk House where the first sellout in Milk House history was recorded Nov. 27.
Dec. 11, The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards took place at Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk where Florida quarterback Tim Tebow took home the Disney Spirit Award and the Maxwell Award.
Dec. 6-13, the Pop Warner Super Bowl was held at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.
Dec. 27-Jan. 3, World-class soccer team Chelsea Football Club brought its under 17 team to the U.S. to participate in Disney’s Soccer Showcase, America’s most prestigious youth soccer tournament.
CELEBRATED GUESTS
Brittany Snow; Carrie Underwood; Ryan Seacrest; Rob Thomas; Dylan McDermott; Selena Gomez; Susan Lucci; Rev. Run; Jason Campbell; Melora Hardin; 2008 Olympics eight-time Gold Medalist Michael Phelps; Brooke Shields; Tim Tebow; Tracey Edmonds; Idina Menzel; Ming-Na; Michelle Branch; Mandy Moore; Mariah Carey; Nick Cannon; Juan Luis Guerra; Shaquille O’Neal; Jordin Sparks; Joey Fatone; Dave Matthews; Thierry Henry; Kurt Warner; Mayor Michael Bloomberg; Tina Fey; Paris Hilton; Benji Madden; Roger Federer; Sherri Shepherd; the Osmonds: Marie, Donny, Jimmy, Tom, Wayne, Jay, Merrill, Alan, Virl; Wayne Newton; Miss America 2008 contestants; The Cheetah Girls: Adrienne Bailon, Kiely Williams, Sabrina Bryan; Jonas Brothers: Nick, Kevin, Joe; Miley Cyrus; Mitchel Musso; Anna Maria Perez de Tagle; Demi Lovato; Cole Sprouse; Dylan Sprouse; Kyle Massey; Regis Philbin; Kelly Ripa; Billy Ray Cyrus; 2008 “American Idol” winner David Cook; David Archuleta; Sarah Brightman; Matt Dallas; canine stars of Disney’s film “Space Buddies”; Steve Harvey; Derrick Brooks; Keyshia Cole; Musiq Soulchild; Bob Johnson; Fantasia Barrino; Martina Navratilova; Cal Ripken, Jr.; Jim Palmer; C.C. Sabathia; Dwight Howard.
Candlelight Narrators: John O’Hurley; Neil Patrick Harris; Brian Stokes Mitchell; Virginia Madsen; Marlee Matlin; Monique Coleman; Chita Rivera; Abigail Breslin; Steven Curtis Chapman; Edward James Olmos; Angela Bassett; Courtney B. Vance.