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 “Il